Association Between Free-Living Sit-to-Stand Transition Characteristics, and Lower-Extremity Performance, Fear of Falling, and Stair Negotiation Difficulties Among Community-Dwelling 75 to 85-Year-Old Adults
Abstract Background Good sit-to-stand (STS) performance is an important factor in maintaining functional independence. This study investigated whether free-living STS transition volume and intensity, assessed by a thigh-worn accelerometer, is associated with characteristics related to functional independence. Methods Free-living thigh-worn accelerometry was recorded continuously for 3–7 days in a population-based sample of 75-, 80-, and 85-year-old community-dwelling people (479 participants; women n = 287, men n = 192). The records were used to evaluate the number and intensity (angular velocity of the STS phase) of STS transitions. Associations with short physical performance battery (SPP…
Day-to-Day Variability and Year-to-Year Reproducibility of Accelerometer-Measured Free-Living Sit-to-Stand Transitions Volume and Intensity among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the day-to-day variability and year-to-year reproducibility of an accelerometer-based algorithm for sit-to-stand (STS) transitions in a free-living environment among community-dwelling older adults. (2) Methods: Free-living thigh-worn accelerometry was recorded for three to seven days in 86 (women n = 55) community-dwelling older adults, on two occasions separated by one year, to evaluate the long-term consistency of free-living behavior. (3) Results: Year-to-year intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the number of STS transitions were 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.86, p < 0.001), for mean angular velocity-0.81 (95% c…
Training load does not affect detraining's effect on muscle volume, muscle strength and functional capacity among older adults
Research underlines the potential of low-load resistance exercise in older adults. However, while the effects of detraining from high-load protocols have been established, it is not known whether gains from low-load training would be better/worse maintained. The current study evaluated the effects of 24weeks of detraining that followed 12weeks of high- and low-load resistance exercise in older adults. Fifty-six older adults (68.0±5.0years) were randomly assigned to leg press and leg extension training at either HIGH load (2×10-15 repetitions at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM)), LOW load (1×80-100 repetitions at 20% of 1-RM), or LOW+ load (1×60 repetitions at 20% of 1-RM, immediately fo…
Rate of power development of the knee extensors across the adult life span: A cross-sectional study in 1387 Flemish Caucasians.
A growing body of research in elderly populations suggests that the early phase of an explosive muscle contraction (i.e., ≤200 ms) may be more functionally relevant than peak values. However, age-related variation in early phase explosive strength has never been investigated across the full-adult life span. This cross-sectional study investigated the age-related changes in the rate of power development (RPD) and compared it to the changes in peak power (Ppeak), both in terms of magnitude and onset, across the adult life span. Age-related declines in power and determinants of muscle power were compared between sexes. 1387 adults (♂813, ♀574), aged 18-78 years, performed three maximal isoiner…
An age-adapted plyometric exercise program improves dynamic strength, jump performance and functional capacity in older men either similarly or more than traditional resistance training
Power declines at a greater rate during ageing and is more relevant for functional deterioration than either loss of maximum strength or muscle mass. Human movement typically consists of stretch-shortening cycle action. Therefore, plyometric exercises, using an eccentric phase quickly followed by a concentric phase to optimize power production, should resemble daily function more than traditional resistance training, which primarily builds force production capacity in general. However, it is unclear whether older adults can sustain such high-impact training. This study compared the effects of plyometric exercise (PLYO) on power, force production, jump and functional performance to tradition…