Agile ageing – A modifiable vital sign to mitigate the risk of falls in older adults?
- Authors: Ogilvie, Madeleine , Wallen, Matthew , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medical Hypotheses Vol. 148, no. (2021), p.
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- Description: Falls prevention in older adults is a targeted priority because a fall can lead to disability, institutionalisation and presents a signficant financial burden. Falls are multifactoral in nature however, impairments in both physical and cognitive functioning have been linked to their occurrence. Currently, testing and exercise training for falls prevention focuses on physical qualities such as balance and strength. Agility is a unique physical quality that couples an individuals perceptual cognitive ability with the ability to produce a quick and accurate movement. Agility is relatively well understood in a sporting context however, its application to falls prevention has been minimal. Because a fall may occur while an individual is perceiving information from the dynamic environment around them while attempting to execute a rapid and accurate movement it is hypothesised that concepts and methods used to assess and train agility in athlete populations can be use to improve practices related to the screening and training to mitigate the risk of a fall in an older adult. © 2021
Six weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) facilitates a four year preservation of aerobic capacity in sedentary older males : a reunion study
- Authors: Herbert, Peter , Hayes, Lawrence , Beaumont, Alexander , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Experimental Gerontology Vol. 150, no. (2021), p.
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- Description: Long-term implications of acutely increased cardiorespiratory fitness following short-term exercise interventions in older adults are unknown. In this study, we examined peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) after 4-years of ‘free-living’ after a high intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention. Seventeen lifelong exercisers (LEX) and 17 previously sedentary (SED) males (55–74 years of age in 2012) were tested four years (phase D) after our previous experiment which included 6-weeks of aerobic moderate intensity exercise (phase B), followed by 6-weeks of HIIT (phase C). At all stages, a standard incremental exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer was completed to determine VO2peak. SED (P = 1.000, Cohen's d = 0.01) and LEX (P = 1.000, Cohen's d = 0.11) VO2peak at phase D was not different from phase A (enrolment). SED experienced a large decrease in VO2peak from phase C to phase D (32 ± 6 ml·kg·min−1 to 27 ± 6 ml·kg·min−1 [P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.81]). LEX experienced a small decrease in VO2peak from phase C to phase D (42 ± 7 ml·kg·min−1 to 39 ± 9 ml·kg·min−1 [P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.46]). At phase D, LEX had greater VO2peak than SED (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.73). The proportion of subjects who reported discontinuing training, maintaining moderate training, and maintaining HIIT differed between groups (P = 0.023), with LEX self-reporting more HIIT, and SED self-reporting more discontinuation from exercise. Those who continued exercising experienced a reduction in VO2peak over the four years from 39 ± 7 ml·kg·min−1 to 36 ± 9 ml·kg·min−1 (N = 25, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.37), and those who discontinued exercising also experienced a reduction in VO2peak from 30 ± 7 ml·kg·min−1 to 25 ± 9 ml·kg·min−1 (N = 9, P = 0.003, Cohen's d = 0.62). Four years after completing a brief period of aerobic exercise and HIIT, older males demonstrated a preservation of VO2peak, irrespective of training status (LEX or SED). However, LEX exhibited greater VO2peak than SED after 4-years of unsupervised ‘free-living’. Notably, participants who discontinued exercising experienced a greater reduction in VO2peak. These data suggest that a 6 weeks of supervised HIIT can facilitate the long term. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) produces small improvements in fasting glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance in sedentary older men but not masters athletes
- Authors: Hayes, Lawrence , Herbert, Peter , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Experimental Gerontology Vol. 140, no. (2020), p.
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- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate whether 6 weeks' high intensity interval training (HIIT; 6 × 30 s sprints at 40% peak power, once every five days) following 6 weeks' of aerobic preconditioning could favourably affect fasting insulin, glucose, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA1-IR) in sedentary older men compared with masters athletes. A secondary aim was to establish whether lifelong exercisers (LEX) exhibited improved fasting insulin, glucose, and HOMA1-IR, compared to sedentary older males (SED). Twenty-two males (62 ± 2 years) comprised the SED group and 17 males (60 ± 5 years) were enrolled as LEX. Participants were tested at phase A (baseline), B (after preconditioning), and C (post-HIIT). There was no effect of time (P = 0.116) or interaction (P = 0.727) on insulin. However, there was an effect of group (P < 0.001). In terms of magnitude, HIIT induced a small decrease in SED insulin compared to baseline (15.8 ± 8.1 uIU·ml−1 at baseline and 14.0 ± 7.8 uIU·ml−1 post-HIIT; Cohen's d = 0.23) and compared to post-preconditioning (17.5 ± 9.7 uIU·ml−1; Cohen's d = 0.40). LEX insulin was unchanged throughout (all differences were trivial). Insulin was lower in LEX than SED at phase A (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.31), B (P = 0.023, Cohen's d = 0.78), and C (P = 0.004, Cohen's d = 1.01). There was no effect of time (P = 0.290), group (P = 0.166), or interaction (P = 0.153) for glucose. In terms of magnitude, HIIT produced a small reduction in SED glucose compared to baseline (5.7 ± 1.3 mmol·l−1 at baseline and 5.3 ± 0.9 mmol·l−1 post-HIIT; Cohen's d = 0.36), and compared to phase B (5.6 ± 0.8 mmol·l−1, Cohen's d = 0.35). LEX glucose was unchanged throughout (all changes were trivial). SED had moderately higher blood glucose than LEX at phase A (Cohen's d = 0.49), and B (Cohen's d = 0.63), but only a trivial difference existed at phase C (Cohen's d = 0.15). There was no effect of time (P = 0.110), or interaction (P = 0.569) on HOMA1-IR. However, there was an effect of group (P = 0.002). In terms of magnitude, SED HOMA1-IR was unchanged from phase A to B (4.2 ± 3.0 and 4.5 ± 2.9 arbitrary units respectively [Cohen's d = 0.10]). However, at C (3.5 ± 2.6) there was a small decrease compared to B (Cohen's d = 0.36), and A (Cohen's d = 0.25). LEX experienced a small increase in HOMA1-IR from phase A to B (1.6 ± 1.3 and 2.3 ± 2.8 respectively [Cohen's d = 0.32]), followed by a small decrease from B to C (1.7 ± 1.1 at phase C [Cohen's d = 0.28]), and a trivial change from A to C (Cohen's d = 0.08). HOMA1-IR was lower in LEX than SED at baseline (P = 0.002, Cohen's d = 1.12), after preconditioning (P = 0.024, Cohen's d = 0.77), and post-HIIT (P = 0.014, Cohen's d = 0.90). Results of this study provide preliminary evidence that HIIT preceded by preconditioning can induce small improvements in fasting insulin, glucose, and HOMA1-IR in sedentary older men compared with masters athletes. © 2020 Elsevier Inc.
The association between physical activity and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults
- Authors: Robins, Lauren , Hill, Keith , Finch, Caroline , Clemson, Lindy , Haines, Terry
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 22, no. 2 (2018), p. 175-182
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/565900
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- Description: Objectives: Social isolation is an increasing concern in older community-dwelling adults. There is growing need to determine effective interventions addressing social isolation. This study aimed to determine whether a relationship exists between physical activity (recreational and/or household-based) and social isolation. An examination was conducted for whether group- or home-based falls prevention exercise was associated with social isolation. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of telephone survey data was used to investigate relationships between physical activity, health, age, gender, living arrangements, ethnicity and participation in group- or home-based falls prevention exercise on social isolation. Univariable and multivariable ordered logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Factors found to be significantly associated with reduced social isolation in multivariable analysis included living with a partner/spouse, reporting better general health, higher levels of household-based physical activity (OR = 1.03, CI = 1.01–1.05) and feeling less downhearted/depressed. Being more socially isolated was associated with symptoms of depression and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (pseudo R2 = 0.104). Discussion: Findings suggest that household-based physical activity is related to social isolation in community-dwelling older adults. Further research is required to determine the nature of this relationship and to investigate the impact of group physical activity interventions on social isolation.
Effects of exercise and manual therapy on pain associated with hip osteoarthritis : A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors: Beumer, Lucy , Wong, Jennie , Warden, Stuart , Kemp, Joanne , Foster, Paul , Crossley, Kay
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: British Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 50, no. 8 (2016), p. 458-463
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- Description: Aim: To explore the effects of exercise (water-based or land-based) and/or manual therapies on pain in adults with clinically and/or radiographically diagnosed hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed, with patient reported pain assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) or the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale. Data were grouped by follow-up time (0-3 months=short term; 4-12 months=medium term and; >12 months=long term), and standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs were used to establish intervention effect sizes. Study quality was assessed using modified PEDro scores. Results: 19 trials were included. Four studies showed short-term benefits favouring water-based exercise over minimal control using the WOMAC pain subscale (SMD -0.53, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.10). Six studies supported a short-term benefit of land-based exercise compared to minimal control on VAS assessed pain (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.29). There were no medium (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.48 to 0.03) or long (SMD -0.22, 95% CI -0.51 to 0.06) term benefits of exercise therapy, or benefit of combining exercise therapy with manual therapy (SMD -0.38, 95% CI -0.88 to 0.13) when compared to minimal control. Conclusions: Best available evidence indicates that exercise therapy (whether land-based or water-based) is more effective than minimal control in managing pain associated with hip OA in the short term. Larger highquality RCTs are needed to establish the effectiveness of exercise and manual therapies in the medium and long term.
Acute whole body UVA irradiation combined with nitrate ingestion enhances time trial performance in trained cyclists
- Authors: Muggeridge, David , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal , Willis, Gareth , Thornhill, Laurence , Weller, Richard , James, Philip , Easton, Chris
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Nitric Oxide : Biology and Chemistry Vol. 48, no. (2015), p. 3-9
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- Description: Dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to increase nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, reduce blood pressure (BP) and enhance exercise performance. Acute exposure to ultraviolet (UV)-A light also increases NO bioavailability and reduces BP. We conducted a randomized, counterbalanced placebo-controlled trial to determine the effects of UV-A light alone and in combination with nitrate on the responses to sub-maximal steady-state exercise and time trial (TT) performance. Nine cyclists (VO2max 53.1 +/- 4.4 ml/kg/min) completed five performance trials comprising 10 min submaximal steady-state cycling followed by a 16.1 km TT. Following a familiarization the final four trials were preceded, in random order, by either (1) Nitrate gels (NIT) + UV-A, (2) Placebo (PLA) + UV-A, (3) NIT + Sham light (SHAM) and (4) PLA + SHAM (control). The NIT gels (2 x 60 ml gels, ~8.1 mmol nitrate) or a low-nitrate PLA were ingested 2.5 h prior to the trial. The light exposure consisted of 20 J/cm(2) whole body irradiation with either UV-A or SHAM light. Plasma nitrite was measured pre- and post-irradiation and VO2 was measured continuously during steady-state exercise. Plasma nitrite was higher for NIT + SHAM (geometric mean (95% CI), 332 (292-377) nM; P = 0.029) and NIT + UV-A (456 (312-666) nM; P = 0.014) compared to PLA + SHAM (215 (167-277) nM). Differences between PLA + SHAM and PLA + UV-A (282 (248-356) nM) were small and non-significant. During steady-state exercise VO2 was reduced following NIT + UVA (P = 0.034) and tended to be lower in NIT + SHAM (P = 0.086) but not PLA + UV-A (P = 0.381) compared to PLA + SHAM. Performance in the TT was significantly faster following NIT + UV-A (mean +/- SD 1447 +/- 41 s P = 0.005; d = 0.47), but not PLA + UV-A (1450 +/- 40 s; d = 0.41) or NIT + SHAM (1455 +/- 47 s; d = 0.28) compared to PLA + SHAM (1469 +/- 52 s). These findings demonstrate that exposure to UV-A light alone does not alter the physiological responses to exercise or improve performance in a laboratory setting. A combination of UV-A and NIT, however, does improve cycling TT performance in this environment, which may be due to a larger increase in NO availability.
Impact of low-volume, high-intensity interval training on maximal aerobic capacity, health-related quality of life and motivation to exercise in ageing men
- Authors: Knowles, Ann-Marie , Herbert, Peter , Easton, Chris , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Age Vol. 37, no. 2 (2015), p. 25
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- Description: There is a demand for effective training methods that encourage exercise adherence during advancing age, particularly in sedentary populations. This study examined the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise on health-related quality of life (HRQL), aerobic fitness and motivation to exercise in ageing men. Participants consisted of males who were either lifelong sedentary (SED; N = 25; age 63 +/- 5 years) or lifelong exercisers (LEX; N = 19; aged 61 +/- 5 years). [Formula: see text] and HRQL were measured at three phases: baseline (Phase A), week seven (Phase B) and week 13 (Phase C). Motivation to exercise was measured at baseline and week 13. [Formula: see text] was significantly higher in LEX (39.2 +/- 5.6 ml kg min(-1)) compared to SED (27.2 +/- 5.2 ml kg min(-1)) and increased in both groups from Phase A to C (SED 4.6 +/- 3.2 ml kg min(-1), 95 % CI 3.1 - 6.0; LEX 4.9 +/- 3.4 ml kg min(-1), 95 % CI 3.1-6.6) Physical functioning (97 +/- 4 LEX; 93 +/- 7 SED) and general health (70 +/- 11 LEX; 78 +/- 11 SED) were significantly higher in LEX but increased only in the SED group from Phase A to C (physical functioning 17 +/- 18, 95 % CI 9-26, general health 14 +/- 14, 95 % CI 8-21). Exercise motives related to social recognition (2.4 +/- 1.2 LEX; 1.5 +/- 1.0 SED), affiliation (2.7 +/- 1.0 LEX; 1.6 +/- 1.2 SED) and competition (3.3 +/- 1.3 LEX; 2.2 +/- 1.1) were significantly higher in LEX yet weight management motives were significantly higher in SED (2.9 +/- 1.1 LEX; 4.3 +/- 0.5 SED). The study provides preliminary evidence that low-volume HIIT increases perceptions of HRQL, exercise motives and aerobic capacity in older adults, to varying degrees, in both SED and LEX groups.
Legal risk management and injury in the fitness industry: the outcomes of focus group research and a national survey of fitness professionals
- Authors: Keyzer, Patrick , Coyle, Ian , Dietrich, Joachim , Norton, Kevin , Sekendiz, Betul , Jones, Veronica , Finch, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Law and Medicine Vol. 21, no. 4 (June 2014 2014), p. 826-844
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- Description: The Australian Fitness Industry Risk Management (AFIRM) Project was set up to explore the operation of rules and regulations for the delivery of safe fitness services. This article summarises the results of recent focus group research and a national survey of risk management practices by the AFIRM Project. Our focus group research in four States identified the following most important concerns: (1) the competency of fitness professionals; (2) the effectiveness of pre-exercise screening and the management of de-conditioned clients; (3) poor supervision of fitness service users and incorrect use of equipment; (4) fitness trainers failing to remain within their scope of practice; (5) equipment misuse (as distinct from incorrect use); and (6) poor fitness training environments. This information was then used to develop 45 specific items for a questionnaire that was disseminated throughout the fitness industry. The survey, which is the largest ever conducted in the Australian fitness industry (n = 1,178), identified similar concerns. Our research indicates that efforts to improve risk management in the fitness industry should focus, first and foremost, on the development and monitoring of safety policy, and improvements in the education and training of fitness instructors to ensure that they can incorporate risk management practices.
- Description: C1