A Scoping Review of Multiple-modality Exercise and Cognition in Older Adults: Limitations and Future Directions.

The effects of multiple-modality exercise (MME) on brain health warrants further elucidation. Our objectives were to report and discuss the current evidence regarding the influence of MME on cognition and neuroimaging outcomes in older adults without dementia. We searched the literature for studies investigating the effects of MME on measures of cognition, brain structure, and function in individuals 55 years or older without dementia. We include 33 eligible studies. Our findings suggested that MME improved global cognition, executive functioning, processing speed, and memory. MME also improved white and gray matter and hippocampal volumes. These findings were evident largely when compared with no-treatment control groups but not when compared with active (e.g., health education) or competing treatment groups (e.g., cognitive training). MME may improve brain health in older adults without dementia; however, because of possible confounding factors, more research is warranted.

Optimization of the Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) weight loss and healthy lifestyle program for male hockey fans.

BACKGROUND: The health outcomes of men continue to be poorer than women globally. Challenges in addressing this problem include difficulties engaging men in weight loss programs as they tend to view these programs as contrary to the masculine narrative of independence and self-reliance. Researchers have been turning towards sports fans to engage men in health promotion programs as sports fans are typically male, and tend to have poor health habits. METHODS: Developed from the highly successful gender-sensitized Football Fans in Training program, Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) recruited 80 male hockey fans of the London Knights and Sarnia Sting who were overweight or obese into a weekly, 90-minute classroom education and group exercise program held over 12 weeks; a 40-week minimally-supported phase followed. A process evaluation of the Hockey FIT program was completed alongside a pragmatic randomized controlled trial and outcome evaluation in order to fully explore the acceptability of the Hockey FIT program from the perspectives of coaches delivering and participants engaged in the program. Data sources included attendance records, participant focus groups, coach interviews, assessment of fidelity (program observations and post-session coach reflections), and 12-month participant interviews. RESULTS: Coaches enjoyed delivering the program and found it simple to deliver. Men valued being among others of similar body shape and similar weight loss goals, and found the knowledge they gained through the program helped them to make and maintain health behaviour changes. Suggested improvements include having more hockey-related information and activities, greater flexibility with timing of program delivery, and greater promotion of technology support tools. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed Hockey FIT was an acceptable "gender-sensitized" health promotion program for male hockey fans who were overweight or obese. Minor changes were required for optimization, which will be evaluated in a future definitive trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02396524 (Clinicaltrials.gov). Date of registration: Feb 26, 2015.

HealtheSteps™ Study Protocol: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial promoting active living and healthy lifestyles in at-risk Canadian adults delivered in primary care and community-based clinics.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of chronic disease in Canadian adults. With less than 50% of Canadian adults reaching the recommended amount of daily physical activity, there is an urgent need for effective programs targeting this risk factor. HealtheSteps™ is a healthy lifestyle prescription program, developed from an extensive research base to address risk factors for chronic disease such as physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour and poor eating habits. HealtheSteps™ participants are provided with in-person lifestyle coaching and access to eHealth technologies delivered in community-based primary care clinics and health care organizations. METHOD/DESIGN: To determine the effectiveness of Healthesteps™, we will conduct a 6-month pragmatic randomized controlled trial with integrated process and economic evaluations of HealtheSteps™ in 5 clinic settings in Southwestern Ontario. 110 participants will be individually randomized (1:1; stratified by site) to either the intervention (HealtheSteps™ program) or comparator (Wait-list control). There are 3 phases of the HealtheSteps™ program, lasting 6 months each. The active phase consists of bi-monthly in-person coaching with access to a full suite of eHealth technology supports. During the maintenance phase I, the in-person coaching will be removed, but participants will still have access to the full suite of eHealth technology supports. In the final stage, maintenance phase II, access to the full suite of eHealth technology supports is removed and participants only have access to publicly available resources and tools. DISCUSSION: This trial aims to determine the effectiveness of the program in increasing physical activity levels and improving other health behaviours and indicators, the acceptability of the HealtheSteps™ program, and the direct cost for each person participating in the program as well as the costs associated with delivering the program at the different community sites. These results will inform future optimization and scaling up of the program into additional community-based primary care sites. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02413385 (Clinicaltrials.gov). Date Registered: April 6, 2015.

Group-based exercise and cognitive-physical training in older adults with self-reported cognitive complaints: The Multiple-Modality, Mind-Motor (M4) study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is associated with cognitive and functional deficits, and poses a significant personal, societal, and economic burden. Directing interventions towards older adults with self-reported cognitive complaints may provide the greatest impact on dementia incidence and prevalence. Risk factors for cognitive and functional deficits are multifactorial in nature; many are cardiovascular disease risk factors and are lifestyle-mediated. Evidence suggests that multiple-modality exercise programs can provide cognitive and functional benefits that extend beyond what can be achieved from cognitive, aerobic, or resistance training alone, and preliminary evidence suggests that novel mind-motor interventions (i.e., Square Stepping Exercise; SSE) can benefit cognition and functional fitness. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether multiple-modality exercise combined with mind-motor interventions can benefit diverse cognitive and functional outcomes in older adults with cognitive complaints. METHODS/DESIGN: The Multiple-Modality, Mind-Motor (M4) study is a randomized controlled trial investigating the cognitive and functional impact of combined physical and cognitive training among community-dwelling adults with self-reported cognitive complaints who are 55 years of age or older. Participants are randomized to a Multiple-Modality and Mind-Motor (M4) intervention group or a Multiple-Modality (M2) comparison group. Participants exercise for 60 minutes/day, 3-days/week for 24 weeks and are assessed at baseline, 24 weeks and 52 weeks. The primary outcome is global cognitive function at 24 weeks, derived from the Cambridge Brain Sciences computerized cognitive battery. Secondary outcomes are: i) global cognitive function at 52 weeks; ii) domain-specific cognitive function at 24 and 52 weeks; iii) mobility (gait characteristics under single and dual-task conditions and balance); and 3) vascular health (blood pressure and carotid arterial measurements). We will analyze data based on an intent-to-treat approach, using mixed models for repeated measurements. DISCUSSION: The design features of the M4 trial and the methods included to address previous limitations within cognitive and exercise research will be discussed. Results from the M4 trial will provide evidence of combined multiple-modality and cognitive training among older adults with self-reported cognitive complaints on cognitive, mobility-related and vascular outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02136368.

Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) pilot study protocol: a gender-sensitized weight loss and healthy lifestyle program for overweight and obese male hockey fans.

BACKGROUND: Effective approaches that engage men in weight loss and lifestyle change are important because of worldwide increases, including in Canada, in obesity and chronic diseases. Football Fans in Training (FFIT), developed in Scotland, successfully tackled these problems by engaging overweight/obese male football fans in sustained weight loss and positive health behaviours, through program deliveries at professional football stadia. METHODS: Aims: 1) Adapt FFIT to hockey within the Canadian context and integrate with HealtheSteps™ (evidence-based lifestyle program) to develop Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT); 2) Explore potential for Hockey FIT to help overweight/obese men lose weight and improve other outcomes by 12 weeks, and retain these improvements to 12 months; 3) Evaluate feasibility of recruiting and retaining overweight/obese men; 4) Evaluate acceptability of Hockey FIT; and 5) Conduct program optimization via a process evaluation. We conducted a two-arm pilot pragmatic randomized controlled trial (pRCT) whereby 80 overweight/obese male hockey fans (35-65 years; body-mass index ≥28 kg/m2) were recruited through their connection to two junior A hockey teams (London and Sarnia, ON) and randomized to Intervention (Hockey FIT) or Comparator (Wait-List Control). Hockey FIT includes a 12-week Active Phase (classroom instruction and exercise sessions delivered weekly by trained coaches) and a 40-week Maintenance Phase. Data collected at baseline and 12 weeks (both groups), and 12 months (Intervention only), will inform evaluation of the potential of Hockey FIT to help men lose weight and improve other health outcomes. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed using data from self-reports at screening and baseline, program fidelity (program observations and coach reflections), participant focus group discussions, coach interviews, as well as program questionnaires and interviews with participants. This information will be analyzed to inform program optimization. DISCUSSION: Hockey FIT is a gender-sensitive program designed to engage overweight/obese male hockey fans to improve physical activity and healthy eating choices, thereby leading to weight loss and other positive changes in health outcomes. We expect this study to provide evidence for a full-scale confirmatory pRCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02396524 (Clinicaltrials.gov). Date of registration: Feb 26, 2015.

Safety and performance of Hydros and Hydros-TA for knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies have evaluated the concomitant use of hyaluronan (HA) with steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesic agents in an attempt to magnify the extent and duration of pain relief due to knee osteoarthritis. To date there has not been an intra-articular combination therapy available for relief of knee osteoarthritis symptoms--one that combines the fast acting onset of symptom relief provided by a corticosteroid with the long-lasting symptom relief provided by HA in a single injection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and preliminary performance of two new HA formulations, Hydros (hyaluronan-based hydrogel suspended in hyaluronan solution) and Hydros-TA (HA plus 10 mg of triamcinolone acetonide [TA]) in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: We conducted a Phase 2 prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind feasibility trial. Participants (n = 98; mean age 60 years) with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or 3) were randomized to three treatment groups: Hydros, Hydros-TA, and Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20). Participants received one 6 ml intra-articular injection in the treatment knee and were evaluated at 2, 6, 13, and 26 weeks post-treatment. Safety was assessed from adverse events at all study visits. The primary efficacy outcome was the change from baseline on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) A (Pain) score for the treatment knee. RESULTS: Adverse events were similar across treatment groups with the most common being arthralgia, joint swelling, back pain, and joint stiffness. Arthralgia was reported 5 times with Synvisc-One, 4 with Hydros, and 1 with Hydros-TA. Each group demonstrated a reduction in the WOMAC A (Pain) score over 26 weeks: [least-square mean (standard error)] 30.5 (5.1) mm for Hydros; 34.4 (4.7) mm for Hydros-TA; 28.0 (5.4) mm for Synvisc-One and an observed improvement of 2.5 mm (p = 0.64) and 6.4 mm (p = 0.24) over Synvisc-One for Hydros and Hydros-TA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A single injection of Hydros or Hydros-TA was well-tolerated and relieved pain associated with knee osteoarthritis over 26 weeks. Data indicate that Hydros-TA had a more rapid pain relief compared to Hydros alone. A Phase 3 trial is underway to confirm these preliminary results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01134406.

Body mass index, weight change, and clinical progression in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease.

The speed and severity of clinical progression after Alzheimer disease (AD) diagnosis varies and depends on multiple factors, most not well elucidated. We assessed whether body mass index (BMI) and 1-year weight change (WC) are associated with clinical progression in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and early-stage AD. Longitudinal data comprising 2268 aMCI and 1506 AD participants in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's Uniform Data Set were used to examine nuances of clinical progression by BMI and WC, as well as potential variations in associations by age, sex, BMI (WC model), or apolipoprotein E genotype. In aMCI, high BMI (vs. moderate BMI) was associated with slower progression; weight loss (vs. no WC) was associated with faster progression. In AD, no significant differences were observed in clinical progression by BMI or WC. The association between BMI and clinical progression varied significantly by apolipoprotein E genotype in AD, and the association between WC and clinical progression varied significantly by sex and BMI in aMCI. Baseline BMI and 1-year WC in late life may serve as early prognostic indicators in aMCI and early-stage AD. If replicated, these results may help in counseling patients on anticipated clinical progression and suggest windows of opportunity for intervention.

Mobile health, exercise and metabolic risk: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It was hypothesized that a mobile health (mHealth) intervention would elicit greater improvements in systolic blood pressure and other cardiometabolic risk factors at 12 weeks, which would be better maintained over 52 weeks, compared to the active control intervention. METHODS: Eligible participants (≥2 metabolic syndrome risk factors) were randomized to the mHealth intervention (n = 75) or the active control group (n = 74). Blood pressure and other cardiometabolic risk factors were measured at baseline and at 12, 24 and 52 weeks. Both groups received an individualized exercise prescription and the intervention group additionally received a technology kit for home monitoring of biometrics and physical activity. RESULTS: Analyses were conducted on 67 participants in the intervention group (aged 56.7 ± 9.7 years; 71.6% female) and 60 participants in the active control group (aged 59.1 ± 8.4 years; 76.7% female). At 12 weeks, baseline adjusted mean change in systolic blood pressure (primary outcome) was greater in the active control group compared to the intervention group (-5.68 mmHg; 95% CI -10.86 to -0.50 mmHg; p = 0.03), but there were no differences between groups in mean change for secondary outcomes. Over 52-weeks, the difference in mean change for systolic blood pressure was no longer apparent between groups, but remained significant across the entire population (time: p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In participants with increased cardiometabolic risk, exercise prescription alone had greater short-term improvements in systolic blood pressure compared to the mHealth intervention, though over 52 weeks, improvements were equal between interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov http://NCT01944124.

A lifestyle intervention supported by mobile health technologies to improve the cardiometabolic risk profile of individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes: study rationale and protocol.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that greatly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise improves the risk profile, but most people do not successfully change their exercise habits to beneficially reduce risk. Tailored exercise prescribed by a family physician has shown promise as a means to increase fitness and reduce cardiometabolic risk, but optimal implementation practices remain unknown. Mobile health technologies have proved to be a beneficial tool to achieve blood pressure and blood glucose control in patients with diabetes. These technologies may address the limited access to health interventions in rural and remote regions. However, the potential as a tool to support exercise-based prevention activities is not well understood. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of a tailored exercise prescription alone or supported by mobile health technologies to improve metabolic syndrome and related cardiometabolic risk factors in rural community-dwelling adults at risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. METHODS/DESIGN: Adults (n = 149) with at least two metabolic syndrome risk factors were recruited from rural communities and randomized to either: 1) an intervention group receiving an exercise prescription and devices for monitoring of risk factors with a smartphone data portal equipped with a mobile health application; or 2) an active control group receiving only an exercise prescription. All participants reported to the research centre at baseline, and at 12-, 24- and 52-week follow-up visits for measurement of anthropometrics and blood pressure and for a blood draw to test blood-borne markers of cardiometabolic health. Vascular and autonomic function were examined. Fitness was assessed and exercise prescribed according to the Step Test and Exercise Prescription protocol. DISCUSSION: This study tested the effects of a prescriptive exercise intervention alone, versus one supported by mobile health technology on cardiometabolic risk factors. The intervention was designed to be translated into clinical or community-based programming. Results will contribute to the current literature by investigating the utility of mobile health technology support for exercise prescription interventions to improve cardiometabolic risk status and maintain improvements over time; particularly in rural communities. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01944124.

Differences in rate of functional decline across three dementia types.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to estimate differences in rates of functional decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and vascular dementia (VaD) and whether differences vary by age or sex. METHODS: Data came from 32 U.S. Alzheimer's Disease Centers. The cohort of participants (n = 5848) were ≥60 years of age and had clinical dementia with a primary etiologic diagnosis of probable AD, DLB, or probable VaD; a Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes score <16; and a duration of symptoms ≤10 years. Dementia diagnoses were assigned using standard criteria. Annual mean rate of change of the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) score was modeled using multiple linear regression with generalized estimating equations adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, years since onset, and cognitive status (mean follow-up = 2.0 years). RESULTS: FAQ declined more slowly over time in those with VaD compared with AD (difference in mean annual rate of change: -0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.68, -0.14). VaD participants also declined at a slower rate than DLB participants, but this difference was not statistically significant (-0.61; 95% CI: -1.45, 0.24). There was no significant difference between DLB and AD. Within each group, rate of decline was more rapid for the youngest participants. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, findings suggested that VaD patients declined in their functional abilities at a slower rate compared with AD patients and that there were no significant differences in rate of functional decline between patients with DLB compared with those with either AD or VaD. These results may provide guidance to clinicians about average expected rates of functional decline in three common dementia types.

Brain health and exercise in older adults.

Identifying feasible and effective interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of cognitive decline in older adults is currently a high priority for researchers, clinicians, and policy makers. Evidence suggests that exercise and cognitive training benefit cognitive health in older adults; however, a preferred modality has to be endorsed yet by the scientific community. The purpose of this review is to discuss and critically examine the current state of knowledge concerning the effects of aerobic, resistance, cognitive, and novel dual-task exercise training interventions for the preservation or improvement of cognitive health in older adults. A review of the literature suggests that the potential exists for multiple exercise modalities to improve cognitive functioning in older adults. Nonetheless current limitations within the field need to be addressed prior to providing definitive recommendations concerning which exercise modality is most effective at improving or maintaining cognitive health in aging.

Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT): Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics from a cluster randomized controlled trial in men with overweight or obesity.

BACKGROUND: Previous research highlights the need for effective lifestyle interventions for men. Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) was developed as a pragmatic healthy lifestyle program tailored to men with overweight or obesity. This paper overviews the rationale, program details, and design of a recently completed cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Hockey FIT. Participant engagement and baseline characteristics are also described. METHODS: The RCT evaluated the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of Hockey FIT. Forty-two sites in Canada and the United States were randomized to either the Hockey FIT intervention group or wait-list control group. Participants were men, aged 35-65 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2. Hockey FIT is a group-based, off-ice, in-person healthy lifestyle program, including both a 3-month active phase and a 9-month minimally-supported phase. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3, and 12 months. The primary outcome was weight loss at 12 months. RESULTS: The design of the cluster RCT incorporates evaluations of participant health outcomes, program implementation, and broader healthcare system impact. In the RCT, 1397 participants were assessed for eligibility and 997 were enrolled. Most participants heard about the program through social media or hockey team emails. Participants averaged 49 years of age, had BMI values of 35.3 kg/m2, were predominately white, and had varying levels of education. CONCLUSION: The intended audience for Hockey FIT was recruited successfully, however, targeted recruitment to better engage diverse populations is warranted. This paper affords a useful outline for evaluating future lifestyle interventions tailored to men. This trial was registered on August 17, 2018 with ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT03636282).

Using a single question to assess physical activity in older adults: a reliability and validity study.

BACKGROUND: Single-item physical activity questions provide a quick approximation of physical activity levels. While recall questionnaires provide a more detailed picture of an individual's level of physical activity, single-item questions may be more appropriate in certain situations. The aim of this study was to evaluate two single-item physical activity questions (one absolute question and one relative question) for test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity, in a sample of older adults. METHODS: Data was obtained from the Project to Prevent Falls in Veterans, a fall risk-factor screening and modification trial. One question measured absolute physical activity (seldom, moderately, vigorously active) and one measured relative physical activity (more, about as, less active than peers). Test-retest reliability was examined using weighted Kappa statistics (κ) in a sample of 43 subjects. Validity was assessed using correlation coefficients (r) in participants who received clinical assessments (n = 159). RESULTS: The absolute physical activity question was more reliable than the relative physical activity question (κ = 0.75 vs. κ = 0.56). Convergent validity, however, was stronger for the relative physical activity question (r = 0.28 to 0.57 vs. r = 0.10 to 0.33). Discriminant validity was similar for both questions. For the relative physical activity question, there was moderate agreement when this question was re-administered seven days later, fair to moderate/good associations when compared with indicators of physical function, and little to no associations when compared with measures hypothesized to be theoretically not related to physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The relative physical activity question had the best combination of test-retest reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity. In studies requiring a measure of physical activity, where physical activity is not the primary focus and more detailed measures are not feasible, a single question may be an acceptable alternative.

Risk of decline in functional activities in dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer disease.

We examined the risk of 1-year decline in 4 everyday activities in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), relative to patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Data were from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, gathered from 32 Alzheimer's Disease Centers. Participants (n=1880) were: aged 60+ years, demented with a primary clinical diagnosis of probable AD or DLB, and had a global Clinical Dementia Rating of 0.5 to 2. The activities were measured with the Functional Activities Questionnaire. In modified Poisson regression models adjusted for demographics, baseline activity, years from symptom onset, cognitive impairment, and comorbidities; DLB participants aged 67 to 81 years had 1.5 to 2 times increased risk of decline in performing basic kitchen tasks, engaging in games/hobbies, and paying attention/understanding, relative to AD participants of the same age (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between AD and DLB participants beyond this age range. For decline in ability to go shopping alone, there was also no significant difference between AD and DLB participants. In summary, the functional course of DLB, relative to AD, may depend on the age of the patient. These findings may provide anticipatory guidance to families and healthcare providers, which may be useful in the planning of care strategies.

Validation of the StepWatch device for measurement of free-living ambulatory activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study examined the validity of the StepWatch activity monitor and the optimal number of monitoring days in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). StepWatch activity data were obtained from databases of two studies: one of patients with COPD who participated in a trial of two exercise persistence interventions (n = 17) and a second, cross-sectional study of activity in chronically healthy older adults (n = 60). Independent t tests, Pearson's correlations, and Bland-Altman plots were used to examine the activity data (total steps, activity intensity, and distribution of activity). Results indicated that patients with COPD registered 50% fewer total steps and had lower levels of walking intensity compared with chronically healthy older adults. Activity parameters had moderate-to-high correlations with disease severity, peak cycle workload, and physical functioning. More monitoring days were associated with greater measurement precision. This study provides preliminary evidence to support the validity of the StepWatch device for measuring free-living ambulatory physical activity in COPD.

The Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cognition and Blood Pressure in Older Adults With Hypertension and Subjective Cognitive Decline: Results From the Heart & Mind Study.

Background: The impact of exercise on cognition in older adults with hypertension and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is unclear. Objectives: We determined the influence of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with mind-motor training on cognition and systolic blood pressure (BP) in older adults with hypertension and SCD. Methods: We randomized 128 community-dwelling older adults [age mean (SD): 71.1 (6.7), 47.7% females] with history of hypertension and SCD to either HIIT or a moderate-intensity continuous training (MCT) group. Both groups received 15 min of mind-motor training followed by 45 min of either HIIT or MCT. Participants exercised in total 60 min/day, 3 days/week for 6 months. We assessed changes in global cognitive functioning (GCF), Trail-Making Test (TMT), systolic and diastolic BP, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Results: Participants in both groups improved diastolic BP [F (1, 87.32) = 4.392, p = 0.039], with greatest effect within the HIIT group [estimated mean change (95% CI): -2.64 mmHg, (-4.79 to -0.48), p = 0.017], but no between-group differences were noted (p = 0.17). Both groups also improved cardiorespiratory fitness [F (1, 69) = 34.795, p < 0.001], and TMT A [F (1, 81.51) = 26.871, p < 0.001] and B [F (1, 79.49) = 23.107, p < 0.001]. There were, however, no within- or between-group differences in GCF and systolic BP at follow-up. Conclusion: Despite improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise of high- or moderate-intensity, combined with mind-motor training, did not improve GCF or systolic BP in individuals with hypertension and SCD. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03545958).

Systolic blood pressure dipping may be associated with mobility impairment and brain volume in community-dwelling older adults: An exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether systolic blood pressure (SBP) dipping is associated with mobility outcomes and brain volume in older adults without dementia. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory analysis of data from 345 community-dwelling older adults (mean age [SD]: 69.9 [7.1], 60% women) who underwent 24-h BP measurement and mobility assessment. Mobility measures included usual and dual-task (DT) gait velocity, step length, and variability. For DT assessment, participants performed naming animals (NA) and serial sevens (S7) tasks. A subsample of participants (N = 32) also underwent magnetic resonance imaging to estimate total grey matter, white matter, and hippocampal brain volumes. We conducted hierarchical regression models to examine the association between SBP dipping and mobility outcomes, after adjusting for age, years of education, sex, Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, other cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, and study cohort. Similar models were conducted to investigate associations between SBP dipping and brain volumes. RESULTS: SBP dipping significantly predicted gait velocity and step length under usual and both DT conditions. The R2 change was the highest for usual gait velocity (Fchange = 7.8, p = 0.005, R2change = 0.019), and lowest for step length during the NA task (Fchange = 4.4, p = 0.037, R2change = 0.01), suggesting a deleterious effect of SBP dipping on gait regardless of task complexity. For brain volumes, SBP dipping significantly predicted right hippocampal volume (Fchange = 5.4, p = 0.029, R2change = 0.12), and total hippocampal volume (Fchange = 5.1, p = 0.033, R2change = 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SBP dipping, as a marker of cardiovascular disease in older adults, impacts mobility performance and hippocampal volume. SBP dipping could be targeted in future therapeutic interventions in older adults at risk for mobility and cognitive impairment.

Memory Function and Brain Functional Connectivity Adaptations Following Multiple-Modality Exercise and Mind-Motor Training in Older Adults at Risk of Dementia: An Exploratory Sub-Study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple-modality exercise improves brain function. However, whether task-based brain functional connectivity (FC) following exercise suggests adaptations in preferential brain regions is unclear. The objective of this study was to explore memory function and task-related FC changes following multiple-modality exercise and mind-motor training in older adults with subjective cognitive complaints. METHODS: We performed secondary analysis of memory function data in older adults [n = 127, mean age 67.5 (7.3) years, 71% women] randomized to an exercise intervention comprised of 45 min of multiple-modality exercise with additional 15 min of mind-motor training (M4 group, n = 63) or an active control group (M2 group, n = 64). In total, both groups exercised for 60 min/day, 3 days/week, for 24 weeks. We then conducted exploratory analyses of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data collected from a sample of participants from the M4 group [n = 9, mean age 67.8 (8.8) years, 8 women] who completed baseline and follow-up task-based fMRI assessment. Four computer-based memory tasks from the Cambridge Brain Sciences cognitive battery (i.e. Monkey Ladder, Spatial Span, Digit Span, Paired Associates) were employed, and participants underwent 5 min of continuous fMRI data collection while completing the tasks. Behavioral data were analyzed using linear mixed models for repeated measures and paired-samples t-test. All fMRI data were analyzed using group-level independent component analysis and dual regression procedures, correcting for voxel-wise comparisons. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that the M4 group showed greater improvements in the Paired Associates tasks compared to the M2 group at 24 weeks [mean difference: 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08 to 0.86, p = 0.019]. For our fMRI analysis, dual regression revealed significant decrease in FC co-activation in the right precentral/postcentral gyri after the exercise program during the Spatial Span task (corrected p = 0.008), although there was no change in the behavioral task performance. Only trends for changes in FC were found for the other tasks (all corrected p < 0.09). In addition, for the Paired Associates task, there was a trend for increased co-activation in the right temporal lobe (Brodmann Area = 38, corrected p = 0.07), and left middle frontal temporal gyrus (corrected p = 0.06). Post hoc analysis exploring voxel FC within each group spatial map confirmed FC activation trends observed from dual regression. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that multiple modality exercise with mind-motor training resulted in greater improvements in memory compared to an active control group. There were divergent FC adaptations including significant decreased co-activation in the precentral/postcentral gyri during the Spatial Span task. Borderline significant changes during the Paired Associates tasks in FC provided insight into the potential of our intervention to promote improvements in visuospatial memory and impart FC adaptations in brain regions relevant to Alzheimer's disease risk. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov in April 2014, Identifier: NCT02136368.

Process evaluation of the HealtheSteps™ lifestyle prescription program.

Physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and poor diet are contributing to the rise in chronic disease rates throughout the world. HealtheSteps™ is a lifestyle prescription program focused on reducing risk factors for chronic disease through in-person coaching sessions, goal setting and tracking, and technology supports. A process evaluation was conducted alongside a pragmatic randomized controlled trial to: (a) explore the acceptability of HealtheSteps™ program from coach and participant perspectives; and (b) identify where the program can be improved. Participants at risk or diagnosed with a chronic disease were recruited from five primary care/health services organizations into HealtheSteps™. Participants met with a trained coach bi-monthly for 6 months and set goals for physical activity (step counts), exercise (moderate to vigorous activity), and healthy eating. Coaches were interviewed at month 6 and participants at month 12 (6 months postprogram). All coach interviews (n = 12) were analyzed along with a purposeful sample of participant interviews (n = 13). Coaches found that HealtheSteps™ was easy to deliver and recommendations for exercise and healthy eating were helpful. Including discussions on participant readiness to change, along with group sessions, and more in-depth healthy eating resources were suggested by coaches to improve the program. Participants described the multiple avenues of accountability provided in the program as helpful. However, more feedback and interaction during and postprogram from coaches were suggested by participants. HealtheSteps™ is an acceptable program from the perspectives of both coaches and participants with suggested improvements not requiring significant changes to the core program design.

Innovative Exercise as an Intervention for Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

ABSTRACTExercise has potential to mitigate morbidity in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Participants with knee OA were randomized to a Square-stepping Exercise (SSE) group (2x/week for 24 weeks) or a control group. We assessed the feasibility of SSE and its effectiveness on symptoms (WOMAC), balance (Fullerton), mobility, and walking speed at 12 and 24 weeks. The SSE group had a 49.3% attendance rate and trended toward improvement in the 30-second chair stand at 12 (F = 1.8, p = .12, ηp2 = 0.16), and 24 weeks, (F = 3.4, p = .09, ηp2 = 0.18), and walking speed at 24 weeks, compared to controls. There were no differences in symptoms or balance. The low attendance and recruitment demonstrated limited feasibility of SSE in adults with knee OA. Trends suggest the potential for SSE to improve lower extremity functional fitness and walking speed. SSE should be further studied for effectiveness on symptoms and balance, in addition to improving feasibility.