RESUMO
This study aims to assess the potential benefits and barriers of Move to Flow (MtF), a nature-based physical activity (PA) programme structured in two levels that include movements related to the animal, vegetal, and inert nature. A questionnaire was applied to 133 participants from Spain, Latvia, and Serbia. The instrument was structured in the following sections: socio-economic variables; sports participation; and health and physical condition perception. In addition, the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS), which assesses these aspects on the physical, psychological, and social levels, was included. Results showed that men aged 36-50 obtained the highest total and benefit scores, while women and the youngest scored higher in barriers. Data analysis shows associations between weekly engagement in physical activity and intensity (p < 0.001) and the perceived benefits of MtF. In the case of intensity, it is the same with barriers (p < 0.001). Similarly, there is an association between benefits and barriers and perceived health status (p < 0.001) and physical condition (p < 0.001). Furthermore, positive correlations were found in MtF between PA frequency, intensity, and health and physical condition (r = 0.755). In conclusion, this study has demonstrated MtF's value as a cost-effective tool that empowers people to take an active role in improving their overall health and well-being.
RESUMO
Introduction: The deterioration of cognition is highly predominant in older adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a walking program on the cognition and blood concentration of lipids in women over 60 years of age who were being treated with lovastatin. Materials and methods: Participants were distributed in two groups: An exercise group (EG, n=45) with aerobic training and an inactive sedentary group (SG, n=22). The cognitive state of the subjects was assessed through the Spanish Mini-Cog Test version of the MMSE; lipoproteins were quantified using a lipid profile test, and the cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using the six-minute walking test (6MWT). Results: EG showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in cardiorespiratory fitness and in HDL-C concentrations. Furthermore, the results from the cognition tests showed a large effect size in spatial orientation and in and calculation. The decrease in LDL-C was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: A controlled and progressive walking program for older women treated with Lovastatin may induce a boost of brain activity linked to HDL-C, which could delay cognitive impairment.
Introducción. El deterioro cognitivo tiene una gran incidencia en el adulto mayor. Objetivo. El principal objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los efectos sobre la cognición y la concentración de lípidos de un programa de caminatas en mujeres mayores de 60 años tratadas con lovastatina. Materiales y métodos. Las participantes se distribuyeron en dos grupos: uno con ejercicio (EG, n=45) sometido a entrenamiento aeróbico y otro inactivo o sedentario (SG, n=22). El estado cognitivo se evaluó mediante la versión en español del Mini-Mental Test. Los niveles de lipoproteínas se midieron con una prueba de perfil lipídico y la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria se valoró con la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos (Six-Minute Walking Test, 6MWT). Resultados. El grupo con ejercicio mostró una mejora significativa (p<0,05) de la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y de las concentraciones de colesterol HDL. Además, en la prueba de cognición se observó un efecto de gran tamaño en la orientación espacial, en la atención y en el cálculo. La reducción del colesterol LDL no fue significativa. Conclusión. Un programa de entrenamiento progresivo y supervisado para mujeres mayores tratadas con lovastatina, podría mejorar la actividad cerebral relacionada con el colesterol HDL, lo cual podría retrasar el deterioro cognitivo.