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Physical Performance (physical + performance)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	78%
Life Sciences	14%
3 Other Domains	8%

Terms modified by Physical Performance

physical performance battery

physical performance test

Selected Abstracts

Physical Performance and Subsequent Disability and Survival in Older Adults with Malignancy: Results from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 1 2010
Heidi D. Klepin MD
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate objective physical performance measures as predictors of survival and subsequent disability in older patients with cancer. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred twenty-nine individuals diagnosed with cancer during the first 6 years of follow-up of the Health ABC Study. MEASUREMENTS: The associations between precancer measures of physical performance (20-m usual gait speed, 400-m long-distance corridor walk (LDCW), and grip strength) and overall survival and a short-term outcome of 2-year progression to disability or death were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models, stratified for metastatic disease, respectively, were used for outcomes. RESULTS: Mean age was 77.2, 36.1% were women, and 45.7% were black. Faster 20-m usual walking speed was associated with a lower risk of death in the metastatic group (hazard ratio=0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.79,0.99) and lower 2-year progression to disability or death in the nonmetastatic group (odds ratio (OR)=0.77, 95% CI=0.64,0.94). Ability to complete the 400-m LDCW was associated with lower 2-year progression to disability or death in the nonmetastatic group (OR=0.24, 95% CI=0.10,0.62). There were no associations between grip strength and disability or death. CONCLUSION: Lower extremity physical performance tests (usual gait speed and 400-m LDCW) were associated with survival and 2-year progression to disability or death. Objective physical performance measures may help inform pretreatment evaluations in older adults with cancer. [source]

Cognitive Ability and Physical Performance in Middle-Aged African Americans

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 6 2005
Theodore K. Malmstrom PhD
Objectives: To investigate the association between cognitive ability and physical performance in a population-based sample of middle-aged African Americans. Design: Cross-sectional study, 2000/2001. Setting: St. Louis, Missouri. Participants: Nine hundred ninety-eight African Americans born between 1936 and 1950. Measurements: Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Animal Naming Test of verbal fluency. Physical performance was measured using eight tests: chair stand, semitandem stand, tandem stand eyes open, tandem stand eyes closed, one-leg stand, usual gait speed, grip strength, and peak expiratory flow. Results: There was a statistically significant and monotonic (progressively worsening) trend of the eight physical performance measures across cognitive tertiles in all eight MMSE analyses and five of eight Animal Naming analyses, controlling for age, sex, education, geographic area, depressive symptoms, and comorbid conditions. Conclusion: The association between physical performance and cognitive function appears robust. The results extend previous reports for adults aged 65 and older to a measure of verbal fluency and to a population-based sample of African Americans aged 49 to 65. Further research is needed to disentangle the temporal sequence and identify potential interventions to prevent declines in function. [source]

The Relationship Between Leg Power and Physical Performance in Mobility-Limited Older People

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2002
Jonathan F. Bean Md MS
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of leg power and leg strength on the physical performance of community-dwelling mobility-limited older people. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a 12-week randomized controlled exercise-intervention study. SETTING: Exercise laboratory within the Department of Health Science of an urban university. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five community-dwelling mobility-limited people (34 women, 11 men), aged 65 to 83. MEASUREMENTS: Health status, depression, cognition, physical activity, and falls efficacy; physiological measures of lower extremity strength and power; and measures of physical performance. RESULTS: Through bivariate analyses, leg power was significantly associated with physical performance as measured by stair-climb time, chair-stand time, tandem gait, habitual gait, maximal gait, and the short physical performance battery describing between 12% and 45% of the variance (R2). Although leg power and leg strength were greatly correlated (r = .89) in a comparison of bivariate analyses of strength or power with physical performance, leg power modeled up to 8% more of the variance for five of six physical performance measures. Despite limitations in sample size, it appeared that, through quadratic modeling, the influence of leg power on physical performance was curvilinear. Using separate multivariate analyses, partial R2 values for leg power and leg strength were compared, demonstrating that leg power accounted for 2% to 8% more of the variance with all measures of physical performance. CONCLUSION: Leg power is an important factor influencing the physical performance of mobility-limited older people. Although related to strength, it is a separate attribute that may exert a greater influence on physical performance. These findings have important implications for clinicians practicing geriatric rehabilitation. J Am Geriatr Soc 50:461,467, 2002. [source]

Physical Performance and Risk of Hip Fractures in Older Men,,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2008
Peggy Mannen Cawthon
Abstract The aim of these analyses was to describe the association between physical performance and risk of hip fractures in older men. Performance on five physical function exams (leg power, grip strength, usual walking pace, narrow walk balance test, and five repeated chair stands) was assessed in 5902 men ,65 yr of age. Performance (time to complete or strength) was analyzed as quartiles, with an additional category for unable to complete the measure, in proportional hazards models. Follow-up averaged 5.3 yr; 77 incident hip fractures were confirmed by physician review of radiology reports. Poor physical performance was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. In particular, repeated chair stand performance was strongly related to hip fracture risk. Men unable to complete this exam were much more likely to experience a hip fracture than men in the fastest quartile of this test (multivariate hazard ratio [MHR]: 8.15; 95% CI: 2.65, 25.03). Men with the worst performance (weakest/slowest quartile or unable) on at least three exams had an increased risk of hip fracture compared with men with higher functioning (MHR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.46, 6.73). Nearly two thirds of the hip fractures (N = 49, 64%) occurred in men with poor performance on at least three exams. Poor physical function is independently associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in older men. The repeated chair stands exam should be considered in clinical settings for evaluation of hip fracture risk. Concurrent poor performance on multiple physical function exams is associated with an increased risk of hip fractures. [source]

Quality of life and memory performance in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2000
A. R. Giovagnoli
Objective, To explore the contribution of memory performance to quality of life (QOL) in patients with left or right temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Subjects and methods, Sixty-five patients with left or right TLE compiled the QOL in Epilepsy-89 Inventory (QOLIE-89), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Hopelessness Scale (BDI) for self-evaluation of QOL and mood. Memory was assessed by tests of verbal and non-verbal memory and the Questionnaire of Memory Efficiency (QME). A neuropsychological battery was also administered to assess general intelligence, attention, visual perception, language, set shifting, word fluency and conceptual-motor tracking. Results, On factor analysis, the neuropsychological battery and mood scales consisted of six factors (Memory, Mental Speed, Mood, Praxis, Sorting and Perception), while the QOLIE-89 consisted of five factors (Psychosocial Satisfaction, Epilepsy-Related Effects, Role, Physical Performance, Cognition). On regression analysis, overall QOLIE-89 score was predicted by the factor Mood and QME score. The QOLIE-89 factor Cognition was predicted by QME score and the Memory, Mental Speed, Perception and Praxis factors of the neuropsychological battery. Conclusion, In TLE patients self-reported memory, as assessed by QME, is an important predictor of QOL, and also correlates with performance on memory tests. This suggests that memory improvement by specific training may help to improve QOL in these patients. [source]

Functional Impact of Relative Versus Absolute Sarcopenia in Healthy Older Women

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 11 2007
Marcos Estrada MD
OBJECTIVES: To determine whether adjustment of muscle mass for height2 or for body mass represents a more-relevant predictor of physical performance. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, using baseline data from a trial comparing upper- and lower-body training. SETTING: Women recruited from the community and gynecological practices in Connecticut. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighty-nine healthy older (aged 67.5 ± 4.8), active women receiving estrogen for osteoporosis over 2 years. MEASUREMENTS: Total and appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) and fat mass (AFM) were determined using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Physical performance, muscle strength, and fitness measures were obtained at baseline. RESULTS: Adjusting ASM for height2 identifies lean women who are sarcopenic according to published standards yet fails to identify overweight and obese women whose ASM adjusted for body mass is low. ASM divided by body mass (ASM/body mass) is a stronger physical performance predictor, explaining 32.5%, 13.5%, 11.6%, 6.3%, and 6.8% of the variance in maximum time on treadmill, 6-minute walk, gait speed, 8-foot walk, and single leg stance, respectively, whereas ASM divided by height in m2 (ASM/height2) explained only 2.9%, 0.2%, 2.0%, 0.04%, and 0.1%. Multivariate modeling demonstrated considerable overlap in aspects of ASM/body mass and AFM/body mass associated with performance, with ASM/body mass dominant. In contrast, ASM/height2 is a much stronger predictor of leg press 1 repetition maximum and maximum power. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that relative sarcopenia with ASM adjusted for body mass is a better mobility predictor, with absolute sarcopenia a better indicator of isolated muscle group function in healthy postmenopausal women receiving estrogen replacement. [source]

Cognitive Ability and Physical Performance in Middle-Aged African Americans

Physical performance limitations among adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

CANCER, Issue 12 2010
Kirsten K. Ness PhD
Abstract BACKGROUND: Young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors (BTs) may have late effects that compromise physical performance and everyday task participation. The objective of this study was to evaluate muscle strength, fitness, physical performance, and task participation among adult survivors of childhood BTs. METHODS: In-home evaluations and interviews were conducted for 156 participants (54% men). Results on measures of muscle strength, fitness, physical performance, and participation were compared between BT survivors and members of a population-based comparison group by using chi-square statistics and 2-sample t tests. Associations between late effects and physical performance and between physical performance and participation were evaluated in regression models. RESULTS: The median age of BT survivors was 22 years (range, 18-58 years) at the time of the current evaluation, and they had survived for a median of 14.7 years (range, 6.5-45.9 years) postdiagnosis. Survivors had lower estimates of grip strength (women, 24.7 ± 9.2 kg vs 31.5 ± 5.8 kg; men, 39.0 ± 12.2 kg vs 53.0 ± 10.1 kg), knee extension strength (women, 246.6 ± 95.5 Newtons [N] vs 331.5 ± 5.8 N; men, 304.7 ± 116.4 N vs 466.6 ± 92.1 N), and peak oxygen uptake (women, 25.1 ± 8.8 mL/kg per minute vs 31.3 ± 5.1 mL/kg per minute; men, 24.6 ± 9.5 mL/kg per minute vs 33.2 ± 3.4 mL/kg per minute) than members of the population-based comparison group. Physical performance was lower among survivors and was associated with not living independently (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-12.2) and not attending college (OR, 2.3; 95% CI 1.2-4.4). CONCLUSIONS: Muscle strength and fitness values among BT survivors were similar to those among individuals aged ,60 years and were associated with physical performance limitations. Physical performance limitations were associated with poor outcomes in home and school environments. The current data indicated an opportunity for interventions targeted at improving long-term physical function in this survivor population. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society. [source]

Training response of mitochondrial transcription factors in human skeletal muscle

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010
J. Norrbom
Abstract Aim:, Mitochondrial function is essential for physical performance and health. Aerobic fitness is positively associated with mitochondrial (mt) biogenesis in muscle cells through partly unknown regulatory mechanisms. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of exercise and training status on key mt transcription factors in relation to oxidative capacity in human skeletal muscle. Methods:, The basal mRNA and protein levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), mitochondrial transcription factors B1 (TFB1M) or B2 (TFB2M), and mRNA levels of mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF), were measured in a cross-sectional study with elite athletes (EA) and moderately active (MA) and the basal mRNA levels of these factors were measured during a 10-day endurance training programme with (R-leg) and without (NR-leg) restricted blood flow to the working leg. Results:, TFAM protein expression was significantly higher in the EA than in the MA, while protein levels of TFB1M and TFB2M were not different between the groups. There was no difference between EA and MA, or any effect with training on TFAM mRNA levels. However, the mRNA levels of TFB1M, TFB2M and mTERF were higher in EA compared with MA. For TFB1M and TFB2M, the mRNA expression was increased in the R-leg after 10 days of training, but not in the NR-leg. mTERF mRNA levels were higher in EA compared with MA. Conclusion:, This study further establishes that TFAM protein levels are higher in conditions with enhanced oxidative capacity. The mRNA levels of TFB1M and TFB2M are influenced by endurance training, possibly suggesting a role for these factors in the regulation of exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. [source]

Mephentermine dependence without psychosis: a Brazilian case report

ADDICTION, Issue 6 2010
Henrique Faria De Sousa
ABSTRACT Background Substance abuse is a serious health concern. This report presents the case of a 22-year-old Brazilian man with a history of mephentermine use who fulfils all the criteria for chemical dependence listed by ICD-10. Mephentermine is a sympathomimetic agent derived from methamphetamine which, in Brazil, is restricted to veterinary use. Case description The subject used the substance at a high dose (120 mg) to improve his physical performance while working out at a gym. His symptoms included anorexia and insomnia. After days of intense activity, he felt fatigue and soreness. A physical examination revealed scars on both forearms from the injections and a psychological examination revealed moderate speech and motor agitation. Conclusions Cases such as this may be common among the general public. They should have some bearing upon medical practice and public health policies involving drugs. [source]

Self-efficacy beliefs and levels of anxiety in advanced cancer patients

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 2 2010
K. MYSTAKIDOU md, associate professor
MYSTAKIDOU K., TSILIKA E., PARPA E., GOGOU P., THEODORAKIS P. & VLAHOS L. (2010) European Journal of Cancer Care19, 205,211 Self-efficacy beliefs and levels of anxiety in advanced cancer patients The aims of this study were to investigate the self-efficacy and anxiety in advanced cancer patients in a palliative care unit. The subject is some 99 advanced cancer patients, treated for pain relief and cancer-related symptoms. Patients completed the General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group was used to measure patients' performance status. Statistically significant associations were found between GSE, patients' gender, performance status, opioids and all the STAI scales. The multiple regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy was predicted by patients' age, performance status, gender, as well as by their high levels on two STAI scales, in a model explaining 39.7% of the total variance. In advanced cancer patients, self-efficacy is significantly correlated with levels of anxiety, patients' physical condition and demographic characteristics. Also, it seems to be influenced by components of the STAI, patients' age, physical performance and gender. [source]

Horn size predicts physical performance in the beetle Euoniticellus intermedius (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2005
S. P. LAILVAUX
Summary 1In many animals, the size of secondary sexual ornaments is known to be related to the probability of victory in fights between males, and hence to fighting ability. However, few studies have attempted to link fighting ability to any physical performance measures. 2Here we show that horn size in the dung beetle Euoniticellus intermedius accurately predicts two types of whole-organism performance, independent of body size, that are likely to play an important role in male contests: the force required to pull a beetle out of a tunnel, and the distance the beetle was able to run before exhaustion (maximum exertion). 3Body length is also a statistically significant predictor of pulling force, but not of exertion, suggesting that horn size is a more reliable predictor of performance than body size alone, a result that is consistent with a previous finding that horn size becomes more important in determining victory in male,male contests as body size increases. 4This study is the first to establish direct links between whole-organism performance abilities, male armaments and fighting ability in the same species. Our findings suggest that physiological performance capacities are important factors underlying the evolution of signal expression in E. intermedius, and should be considered in future studies of the evolution of animal signalling. [source]

The impact of joint bleeding and synovitis on physical ability and joint function in a murine model of haemophilic synovitis

HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 1 2008
C. MEJIA-CARVAJAL
Summary., Haemophilia is a congenital disorder that commonly results in musculoskeletal bleeding and orthopaedic complications. After an acute joint haemorrhage, an increase in intra-articular pressure and inflammation cause pain, swelling and limited motion. Blood in the joint space provokes a proliferative disorder known as haemophilic synovitis. Overgrowth of the synovial membrane causes mechanical dysfunction. Eventually, there is destruction of the articular surface and underlying bone. The aim of this project was to test the hypothesis that a minimum number of haemarthroses negatively impacts on joint function and that this would be reflected by decreased physical performance of experimental animals. Mice deficient in factor VIII coagulant activity were trained to ambulate on a rotating rod then injured three times at weekly intervals. Their ability to walk was then compared to a group of uninjured mice. Cohorts of mice were killed after 1, 2 or 3 months and the knee joints examined by gross and histological methods. The results supported the following conclusions: (i) haemophilic mice can be trained to ambulate on a rotating rod; (ii) acute hemarthrosis temporarily impairs their ability to ambulate and (iii) following recovery from acute injury, mice developing synovitis demonstrated inferior physical ability compared to mice not developing synovitis. This is the first description of a quantitative assay to monitor joint function in experimental animals and should be useful to evaluate the efficacy of new therapies developed to prevent and treat bleeding and to test strategies to counter the devastating effects of synovitis. [source]

Evidence for a perforin-mediated mechanism controlling cardiac inflammation in Trypanosoma cruzi infection

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
ANDREA HENRIQUES-PONS
Summary. ,CD8+ T lymphocytes are considered an important cell population involved in the control of parasitaemia and mortality after Trypanosoma cruzi infection. However, despite recent developments in this field, the mechanism whereby this control is exerted is still not completely understood. Here we have used perforin knockout (,/,) mice infected with Y strain T. cruzi in order to evaluate specifically the participation of the perforin-based cytotoxic pathway in the destruction of cardiomyocytes, cellular inflammatory infiltration, and control of parasitaemia and mortality. We observed that although parasitaemia was equivalent in perforin (+/+) and (,/,) groups, survival rate and spontaneous physical performance were significantly lower in the perforin deficient mice. The cardiac inflammatory cell infiltration, mostly composed of CD8+ cells, was more evident in perforin (,/,) mice. Ultrastructural and immunofluorescence analysis, as well as plasma creatine kinase activity, revealed cardiomyocyte damage and necrosis, more evident in perforin (,/,) mice. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assays performed in heart samples revealed similar and modest levels of apoptosis in both perforin (+/+) and (,/,) mice. These results indicate that perforin does not play a pivotal role in the control of parasitaemia and direct lysis of cardiomyocytes, but seems to be an important molecule involved in the control of cardiac inflammation and pathology induced by a highly virulent strain of T. cruzi. [source]

Improved preoperative iron status assessment by soluble transferrin receptor in elderly patients undergoing knee and hip replacement

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
M. BASORA
Summary A poor preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) status is frequently encountered among adult patients scheduled for corrective surgery of the locomotive system, representing the main risk factor for blood transfusion. The soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) has become a highly specific parameter for the detection of iron deficits as it can differentiate between iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease, because of the lack of effect by associated inflammation, unlike ferritin. The objectives of this study were to evaluate patients with the prevalence of risk for transfusion, the effect of inflammation on ferritin (F) values and functional iron deficiency in elderly patients with advanced degenerative arthropathy scheduled for hip or knee replacement. This observational, prospective study included patients over 50 years, operated for hip or knee replacements between April and June 2004. Of 218 patients studied, 87 (39%) presented with Hb levels between 10 and 13 g/dl. The prevalence of functional iron deficit was 27% (sTfR > 1.76 mg/l), while only 8.6% of patients displayed F levels below normal. As expected, C-reactive protein levels were elevated in 24.8% of patients and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in 50%. These inflammatory markers did not correlate with levels of either F or sTfR. Multiple factors can affect F levels, such as the inflammatory status of osteoarthritis in the elderly, obesity, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs therapy and low physical performance. As sTfR is not affected by inflammation, it has emerged as a primary parameter for the evaluation of iron status during preoperative assessment among patients scheduled for arthroplasty surgery. Our data strongly suggest that sTfR measurement contributes to improve patient management. [source]

Dehydroepiandrosterone Combined with Exercise Improves Muscle Strength and Physical Function in Frail Older Women

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 9 2010
Anne M. Kenny MD
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) combined with exercise on bone mass, strength, and physical function in older, frail women. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: A major medical institution. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-nine women (mean age 76.6 ± 6.0) with low sulfated DHEA (DHEAS) levels, low bone mass, and frailty. INTERVENTION: Participants received 50 mg/d DHEA or placebo for 6 months; all received calcium and cholecalciferol. Women participated in 90-minute twice-weekly exercise regimens. MEASUREMENTS: Hormone levels, bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, body composition, upper and lower extremity strength, physical performance. RESULTS: Eighty-seven women (88%) completed 6 months. There were no significant changes in BMD or bone turnover markers. DHEA supplementation resulted in gains in lower extremity strength (from 459 ± 121 N to 484 ± 147 N; P=.01). There was also improvement in Short Physical Performance Battery score, a composite score that focuses on lower extremity function, in those taking DHEA (from 10.1 ± 1.8 to 10.7 ± 1.9; P=.02). There were significant changes in all hormone levels, including DHEAS, estradiol, estrone, and testosterone, and a decline in sex hormone-binding globulin levels in those taking DHEA. CONCLUSION: DHEA supplementation improved lower extremity strength and function in older, frail women involved in a gentle exercise program of chair aerobics or yoga. No changes were found in BMD either due to small sample size, short duration of study or no effect. The physical function findings are promising and require further evaluation as frail women are at high risk for falls and fracture. [source]

Physical Performance and Subsequent Disability and Survival in Older Adults with Malignancy: Results from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

Functional Impact of Relative Versus Absolute Sarcopenia in Healthy Older Women

Cognitive Ability and Physical Performance in Middle-Aged African Americans

The Course of Functional Decline in Older People with Persistently Elevated Depressive Symptoms: Longitudinal Findings from the Cardiovascular Health Study

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2005
Eric J. Lenze MD
Objectives: To examine the relationship between persistently high depressive symptoms and long-term changes in functional disability in elderly persons. Design: A community-based, prospective, observational study. Setting: Participant data from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Participants: From the overall sample of 5,888 subjects, three types of participants were identified for this study: (1) persistently depressed individuals, who experienced an onset of depressive symptoms that persisted over 4 years (n=119); (2) temporarily depressed individuals, who experienced an onset of depressive symptoms that resolved over time (n=259); and (3) nondepressed individuals, with persistently low depressive symptoms throughout the follow-up period who were matched on baseline activity of daily living (ADL) scores, sex, and age to the previous two groups combined (n=378). Measurements: Four consecutive years of data were assessed: validated measures of depression (10-item CES-D), functional disability (10-item ADL/instrumental ADL measure), physical performance, medical illness, and cognition. Results: The persistently depressed group showed a greater linear increase in functional disability ratings than the temporarily depressed and nondepressed groups. This association between persistent depression and functional disability was robust even when controlling for baseline demographic and clinical/performance measures, including cognition. The persistently depressed group had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 5.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.03,9.16) for increased functional disability compared with the nondepressed group over 3 years of follow-up, whereas the temporarily depressed group had an adjusted OR of 2.39 (95% CI=1.55,3.69) compared with the nondepressed group. Conclusion: Persistently elevated depressive symptoms in elderly persons are associated with a steep trajectory of worsening functional disability, generating the hypothesis that treatments for late-life depression need to be assessed on their efficacy in maintaining long-term functional status as well as remission of depressive symptoms. These results also demonstrate the need for studies to differentiate between persistent and temporary depressive symptoms when examining their relationship to disability. [source]

Weighted Stair Climbing in Mobility-Limited Older People: A Pilot Study

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2002
MD Jonathan Bean MS
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate weighted stair climbing exercise (SCE) as a means of increasing lower extremity muscle power in mobility-limited older people. DESIGN: Single-blinded, randomized controlled pilot study INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomized into one of two 12-week exercise programs. The intervention group (SCE) (n = 23) ascended and descended stairs, at a set pace, while wearing a weighted vest. The control group (WALK) (n = 22) participated in a standardized walking program. MEASUREMENTS: Primary and secondary outcomes included measures of muscle power and strength, submaximal aerobic capacity, and physical performance. RESULTS: SCE produced 17% improvement in double leg press peak power in comparison with WALK (P = .013) and significant improvement in stair climbing power from baseline (12%). Improvement in submaximal aerobic performance was equivalent for both groups. Although not statistically significant, effect size estimates suggest that SCE can potentially influence knee extension power and strength. Stair climb time was improved in both groups, whereas SCE produced significant improvements from baseline SPPB score in a subcohort of participants. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that SCE may be a useful component of a home exercise program designed to enhance lower extremity muscle power, aerobic capacity, and functional performance. Further investigation is needed involving larger sample sizes and direct comparisons with other forms of resistance training. [source]

The Relationship Between Leg Power and Physical Performance in Mobility-Limited Older People

Daily pattern of some fatty acids in the athletic horse

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 1 2009
G. Piccione
Summary In the sport field, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are important for the physical performance during the aerobic exercise of short intensity and long duration. In man, rat, goat and in the sedentary horse studies on the chronometabolism showed the presence of a circadian rhythm of the plasmatic concentration of NEFA while data for the athletic horse are lacking. To define a chronogram helpful for a specific planning and the differentiation of the training programmme in the athletic horse, the circadian pattern of some fatty acids (NEFA, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids) was studied in five Sella Italiana horses. These horses trained following a daily model of activity consisting of walk, trot, gallop and jump of obstacles of different heights. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein every 4 h, starting at 08:00 hours, for 2 days to assess the concentrations of total NEFA (by spectrophotometry), palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids (by gas chromatography). anova for repeated measures showed a statistical significant effect of the time of the day in NEFA, oleic and linolenic acids. The application of the periodic model showed the periodic pattern of NEFA, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids. Acrophases were in the afternoon for all parameters. The results obtained showed a different trend of the circadian pattern of the studied parameters in the athletic horse than in the sedentary one because the physical activity and the post-prandial metabolism acted as zeitgebers. [source]

Computed tomographic measurements of thigh muscle cross-sectional area and attenuation coefficient predict hip fracture: The health, aging, and body composition study

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010
Thomas Lang
Abstract Fatty infiltration of muscle, myosteatosis, increases with age and results in reduced muscle strength and function and increased fall risk. However, it is unknown if increased fatty infiltration of muscle predisposes to hip fracture. We measured the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) of the lean tissue within the midthigh muscle bundle (thigh muscle HU, an indicator of intramuscular fat), its cross-sectional area (CSA, a measure of muscle mass) by computed tomography (CT), bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip and total-body percent fat by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), isokinetic leg extensor strength, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in 2941 white and black women and men aged 70 to 79 years. Sixty-three hip fractures were validated during 6.6 years of follow-up. Proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the relative risk (RR) of hip fracture across variations in thigh muscle attenuation, CSA, muscle strength, and physical function for hip fracture. In models adjusted by age, race, gender, body mass index, and percentage fat, decreased thigh muscle HU resulted in increased risk of hip fracture [RR/SD,=,1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10,1.99], an association that continued to be significant after further adjustment for BMD. In models additionally adjusted by CSA, muscle strength, and SPPB score, decreased thigh muscle HU but none of the other muscle parameters continued to be associated with an increased risk of hip fracture (RR/SD,=,1.42; 95% CI 1.03,1.97). Decreased thigh muscle HU, a measure of fatty infiltration of muscle, is associated with increased risk of hip fracture and appears to account for the association between reduced muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle mass and risk of hip fracture. This characteristic captures a physical characteristic of muscle tissue that may have importance in hip fracture etiology. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [source]

Physical Performance and Risk of Hip Fractures in Older Men,,

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Athletes Referred for Disabling Symptoms Preventing Usual Training Schedule and Sport Competition

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
FRANCESCO FURLANELLO M.D.
Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) may occasionally affect athletes by impairing their ability to compete, and leading to noneligibility at prequalification screening. The impact of catheter ablation (CA) in restoring full competitive activity of athletes affected by AF is not known. The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of CA of idiopathic AF in athletes with palpitations impairing physical performance and compromising eligibility for competitive activities. Methods and Results: Twenty consecutive competitive athletes (all males; 44.4 ± 13.0 years) with disabling palpitations on the basis of idiopathic drug-refractory AF underwent 46 procedures (2.3 ± 0.4 per patient) according to a prospectively designed multiprocedural CA approach that consolidates pulmonary veins (PV) isolation through subsequent steps. Preablation, effort-induced AF could be documented in 13 patients (65%) during stress ECG and significantly reduced maximal effort capacity (176 ± 21 W), as compared with patients with no AF during effort (207 ± 43 W, P < 0.05). At the end of CA protocol, which also included ablation of atrial flutter (AFL) in 7 patients, 18 (90.0%) patients were free of AF and two (10.0%) reported short-lasting (minutes) episodes of palpitations during 36.1 ± 12.7 months follow-up. Compared with preablation, postablation maximal exercise capacity significantly improved (from 183 ± 32 to 218 ± 20 W, P < 0.02). All baseline quality of life (QoL) parameters pertinent to physical activity significantly improved (P < 0.05) at the end of CA protocol. All athletes obtained reeligibility and could effectively reinitiate sport activity. Conclusions: AF, alone or in combination with AFL, may significantly impair maximal effort capacity thereby limiting competitive performance. Multiple PV isolation proved very effective in these patients to restore full competitive activity and allow reeligibility. [source]

Novel EGF pathway regulators modulate C. elegans healthspan and lifespan via EGF receptor, PLC-,, and IP3R activation

AGING CELL, Issue 4 2010
Hiroaki Iwasa
Summary Improving health of the rapidly growing aging population is a critical medical, social, and economic goal. Identification of genes that modulate healthspan, the period of mid-life vigor that precedes significant functional decline, will be an essential part of the effort to design anti-aging therapies. Because locomotory decline in humans is a major contributor to frailty and loss of independence and because slowing of movement is a conserved feature of aging across phyla, we screened for genetic interventions that extend locomotory healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans. From a group of 54 genes previously noted to encode secreted proteins similar in sequence to extracellular domains of insulin receptor, we identified two genes for which RNAi knockdown delayed age-associated locomotory decline, conferring a high performance in advanced age phenotype (Hpa). Unexpectedly, we found that hpa-1 and hpa-2 act through the EGF pathway, rather than the insulin signaling pathway, to control systemic healthspan benefits without detectable developmental consequences. Further analysis revealed a potent role of EGF signaling, acting via downstream phospholipase C-,plc-3 and inositol-3-phosphate receptor itr-1, to promote healthy aging associated with low lipofuscin levels, enhanced physical performance, and extended lifespan. This study identifies HPA-1 and HPA-2 as novel negative regulators of EGF signaling and constitutes the first report of EGF signaling as a major pathway for healthy aging. Our data raise the possibility that EGF family members should be investigated for similar activities in higher organisms. [source]

Circulating and synovial levels of IGF-I, cytokines, physical function and anthropometry differ in women awaiting total knee arthroplasty when compared to men

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2005
Sonia M. C. Pagura
Abstract Purpose: Determine if gender differences in osteoarthritis relate to cytokine and growth factor levels. Methods: Cross-sectional comparison of serum and synovial concentrations of cytokines (IL-1,,, TNF-,, IL-6), growth factors (IGF-I, TGF-,, IRAP), physical performance and perceived function in total knee arthroplasty candidates (TKAC) (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 21) was done. Results: Serum IGF-I values were reduced in female (TKAC 137.6 ± 7.2; Controls 160.2 ± 26.2) but not male TKAC (TKAC 182.6 ± 18.4; Controls 184.0 ± 18.4) (p < 0.05). Serum and synovial levels of cytokines and growth factors did not differ significantly by group or gender. Physical performance testing (SPW, TUG) revealed significant group and gender differences (p = 0.001) with women demonstrating greater functional impairment. Discussion: A systemic, not local component to OA pathophysiology may exist for female TKAC. Male TKAC were less impaired, and their IGF-I levels differ little from Control values. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [source]

A randomized comparison of post-operative pain, quality of life, and physical performance during the first 6 weeks after abdominal or vaginal surgical correction of descensus uteri

NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 4 2005
J.P.W.R. Roovers
Abstract Aims With respect to urogenital function, vaginal hysterectomy combined with anterior and/or posterior colporraphy has been shown to be superior to abdominal sacrocolpopexy with preservation of the uterus. We performed a randomized trial to compare the effects of both procedures on pain, quality of life and physical performance during the first six weeks after surgery. Methods Eighty-two patients were randomized to have surgery either by vaginal or abdominal approach. All patients were asked to complete the RAND-36 before surgery and 6 weeks after surgery and to keep a diary for the first 6 weeks after surgery. This diary assessed the pain perception and use of pain medication, bother of limitations due to the surgery and performance of daily activities after surgery. These outcomes were compared. Results All patients completed the RAND-36 and 68 patients completed the diary. Patients who had undergone abdominal surgery had a statistically lower score on the health change domain (56 vs 68), bodily pain domain (63 vs 80) and mental health domain (74 vs 81) of the RAND-36, as compared to patients who had undergone vaginal prolapse surgery. During hospital stay, the abdominal group experienced on average more days of pain (4.5 vs 3.0) and impaired mobility (3.7 vs 2.9) as compared to the vaginal group. Patients received more pain medication following abdominal surgery as compared to vaginal surgery. Conclusions The vaginal operation to correct a descensus uteri is associated with less pain, better quality of life and better mobility during the first 6 weeks of the recovery period as compared to the abdominal approach. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

The Effects of Pain and Depression on Physical Functioning in Elderly Residents of a Continuing Care Retirement Community

PAIN MEDICINE, Issue 4 2000
Jana M. Mossey PhD
Objective., Explore the relationships between pain, depression, and functional disability in elderly persons. Design.,A cross-sectional, observational study of 228 independently living retirement community residents. Methods., Self-report measures of pain (adaptation of McGill Pain Questionnaire), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]) and physical functioning (Physical performance difficulties, activities of daily living [ADL], independent activities of daily living [IADL], and 3-meter walking speed) were employed. Outcome Measures.,Physical functioning variables were dichotomized. Individuals in the lowest quartiles of functional performance and of walking speed were contrasted to all others; for ADL and IADL, those needing some help were compared with those independent in activities. Results., Pain and depression levels were strongly related to physical performance; depression levels were related to ADL and walking speed. In multivariate analyses, an interaction effect was observed where the effects of pain were a function of level of depression. Individuals reporting activity-limiting pain and slightly elevated depressive symptom levels, sub-threshold depression, or major depression were significantly more likely (AOR 7.8; 95% CI, 3.07,20.03) than non-depressed persons to be in the lowest quartile of self-reported physical performance. Conclusions., While both pain and depression level affect physical performance, depressive symptoms rather than pain appear the more influential factor. When seeing elderly patients, identifying, evaluating, and treating both pain complaints and depressive symptoms and disorders may reduce functional impairment. [source]