The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) is a simple fall risk screening test that covers basic functional movement; thus, quantifying the subtask movement ability may provide a clinical utility. The ...video-based system allows individual's movement characteristics assessment. This study aimed to investigate the concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the video-based system for assessing the movement speed of TUG subtasks among older adults. Twenty older adults participated in the validity study, whilst ten older adults participated in the reliability study. Participant's movement speed in each subtask of the TUG under comfortable and fast speed conditions over two sessions was measured. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to identify the validity of the video-based system compared to the motion analysis system. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,2) was used to determine the reliability of the video-based system. The Bland-Altman plots were used to quantify the agreement between the two measurement systems and two repeatable sessions. The validity analysis demonstrated a moderate to very high relationship in all TUG subtask movement speeds between the two systems under the comfortable speed (r = 0.672-0.906, p < 0.05) and a moderate to high relationship under the fast speed (r = 0.681-0.876, p < 0.05). The reliability of the video-based system was good to excellent for all subtask movement speeds in both the comfortable speed (ICCs = 0.851-0.967, p < 0.05) and fast speed (ICCs = 0.720-0.979, p < 0.05). The Bland-Altman analyses showed that almost all mean differences of the subtask speed of the TUG were close to zero, within 95% limits of agreement, and symmetrical distribution of scatter plots. The video-based system was a valid and reliable tool that may be useful in measuring the subtask movement speed of TUG among healthy older adults.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Gait speed modulation, including abruptly decreasing or increasing gait speed, is a challenging task and prerequisite for safe mobility in the community. Older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment ...(MCI) exhibit gait deficits under challenging walking conditions which may increase their risk of falls. The purpose of this study was to investigate spatiotemporal variability during slow and fast speed transitions in older adults with and without MCI. Twenty-five older adults with MCI (mean age = 68.56 ± 3.79 years) and 25 cognitively intact controls (mean age = 68.72 ± 4.67 years) participated. Gait performance during gait speed transitions was measured in two walking conditions: 1) a slow to fast speed transition in response to a randomly presented cue, and 2) a fast to slow speed condition in response to a randomly presented cue. Means and variability of spatiotemporal parameters during the transitions were measured and mixed model repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess interaction and main effects. The older adults with MCI exhibited greater variability of step length (MCI = 13.93 ± 5.38, Control = 11.12 ± 3.15, p = 0.03) and swing time (MCI = 13.35 ± 6.01, Control = 10.43 ± 2.87, p = 0.03) than the controls during the fast to slow speed transitions. No other between-group differences were evident for the gait parameters across the two walking conditions. The findings suggest that older adults with MCI have reduced ability to adapt their gait during transitions from fast to slow walking speeds. This impairment may indicate a decline in automated regular rhythmic gait control and explain in part why this group is at increased risk of falls. Slow speed transition task might be incorporated as a fall risk screening in older adults with MCI.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Early signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)-related gait deficits may be detected through the performance of complex walking tasks that require high gait control. Gait smoothness is a robust ...metric of overall body stability during walking. This study aimed to explore gait smoothness during complex walking tasks in older adults with and without MCI. Participants were 18 older adults with MCI (mean age = 67.89 ± 4.64 years) and 18 cognitively intact controls (mean age = 67.72 ± 4.63 years). Gait assessment was conducted under four complex walking tasks: walking a narrow path, walking around an obstacle, horizontal head turns while walking, and vertical head turns while walking. The index of harmonicity (IH), representing gait smoothness associated with overall body stability, was measured in anteroposterior, mediolateral, and vertical directions. A multivariate analysis was employed to compare the differences in IH between groups for each complex walking task. The MCI group demonstrated a reduction of IH in the mediolateral direction during the horizontal head turns than the control group (MCI group = 0.64 ± 0.16, Control group = 0.74 ± 0.12, p = 0.04). No significant differences between groups were found for the IH in other directions or walking conditions. These preliminary findings indicate that older adults with MCI have a decline in step regularity in the mediolateral direction during walking with horizontal head turns. Assessment of the smoothness of walking during head turns may be a useful approach to identifying subtle gait alterations in older adults with MCI, which may facilitate timely gait intervention.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Postmenopausal women with obesity are markedly at risk of cognitive impairment and several health issues. Emerging evidence demonstrated that both diet and exercise, particularly physical-cognitive ...exercise are involved in cognitive and health benefits. However, the comparative effect of diet, exercise, and combined interventions in postmenopausal women with obesity on cognition and cardiometabolic health is still lacking. Identifying the effective health promotion program and understanding changes in cardiometabolic health linking these interventions to cognition would have important medical implications. This RCT aimed to examine the effect of single and combined interventions of diet and exercise on cognitive function and cardiometabolic health in postmenopausal women with obesity.
Ninety-two postmenopausal women with obesity were randomly assigned to diet group (intermittent fasting 2 days/week, 3 months), exercise group (physical-cognitive exercise 3 days/week, 3 months), combined group, or control group (n = 23/group). All cognitive outcomes and cardiometabolic outcomes were measured at baseline and post-3 months. Primary outcomes were executive functions, memory, and plasma BDNF levels. Secondary outcomes were global cognition, attention, language domain, plasma adiponectin levels, IL-6 levels, metabolic parameters, and physical function.
At the end of the 3-month intervention, the exercise and combined group demonstrated significant memory improvement which was accompanied by significant improvements in plasma BDNF level, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, %body fat, and muscle strength when compared to controls (p < 0.05). Only the combined intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in executive function and increased plasma adiponectin levels when compared to control (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, no cognitive improvement was observed in the diet group (p > 0.05). Significant reduction in cholesterol levels was shown in the diet and combined groups when compared to controls (p < 0.05). Among the three intervention groups, there were no significant differences in all cognitive outcomes and cardiometabolic outcomes (p > 0.05). However, all three intervention groups showed significant improvements in plasma BDNF levels, weight, BMI, WHR, fat mass, and predicted VO
max, when compared to control (p < 0.05).
These findings suggest that combined physical-cognitive exercise and dietary intervention are promising interventions to improve cognition and obesity-related complications of postmenopausal women with obesity.
NCT04768725 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov ) 24th February 2021.
The 100-m sprint is one of the track events, and the pace of the runner can be measured using a variety of tools, such as a hand stopwatch, timing gate, laser device, radar device, photocell timing, ...etc. The data measured is the mean travel time. Nonetheless, monitoring an individual sprinter's instantaneous speed tracking is essential for assisting staff trainers in developing an appropriate training schedule for the individual sprinter. The purpose of this study was to construct a computer vision-based system for assessing the sprinting speed of the 100-m subtasks and also to investigate the concurrent validity of video analysis software among athletes. Five athletes participated in the research to determine its validity. Over the course of two trials, the sprinting pace of each participant's subtasks (a 100-m split to 10 m for each subtask) was measured. The application of the computer vision-based system to video analysis software was validated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The agreement between the two measurement systems was quantified using Bland-Altman plots. The results revealed a significant relationship between the two systems and all 100-m subtask sprinting speeds (r = 0.961–1.000, p 0.0001). The Bland-Altman analyses indicated that the mean differences in 100-m subtask speeds were consistently close to zero, falling within the 95 % limits of agreement. The scatter plot distribution showed symmetry. The computer vision-based system proved to be a valid tool, suggesting its potential value in measuring and monitoring the 100-m subtask sprinting speed of athletes.
Background
Declines in physical and cognitive functions are recognized as important risk factors for falls in older adults. Promising evidence suggests that interactive game-based systems that allow ...simultaneous physical and cognitive exercise are a potential approach to enhance exercise adherence and reduce fall risk in older adults. However, a limited number of studies have reported the development of a combined physical-cognitive game-based training system for fall risk reduction in older adults.
Objective
The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the usability of an interactive physical-cognitive game-based training system (game-based exercise) for older adults.
Methods
In the development phase (Part I), a game-based exercise prototype was created by integrating knowledge and a literature review as well as brainstorming with experts on effective fall prevention exercise for older adults. The output was a game-based exercise prototype that covers crucial physical and cognitive components related to falls. In the usability testing (Part II), 5 games (ie, Fruits Hunter, Where Am I?, Whack a Mole, Sky Falls, and Crossing Poison River) with three difficulty levels (ie, beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels) were tested in 5 older adults (mean age 70.40 years, SD 5.41 years). After completing the games, participants rated their enjoyment level while engaging with the games using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) and commented on the games. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the participants’ characteristics and PACES scores.
Results
The results showed that the average PACES score was 123 out of 126 points overall and between 6.66 and 7.00 for each item, indicating a high level of enjoyment. Positive feedback, such as praise for the well-designed interactions and user-friendly interfaces, was also provided.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that it is promising to implement an interactive, physical-cognitive game-based exercise in older adults. The effectiveness of a game-based exercise program for fall risk reduction has yet to be determined.
Introduction:
Obesity in middle-aged women markedly increases the risk for non-communicable diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and physical and cognitive problems. Exercise, particularly combined ...physical-cognitive exercise, has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on both physical and cognitive health. However, middle-aged women often face barriers to engaging in exercise, which include time constraints, lack of motivation, and enjoyment. Incorporating an exercise program into a technology-based intervention in the home environment may help overcome these barriers and promote health benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of home-based, physical-cognitive internet-based exercise for middle-aged obese women.
Methods:
A total of 33 middle-aged obese women were enrolled in the study. Participants performed an intervention for 60 min/day, 3 days/week for 3 months. Feasibility outcomes (adherence, adverse events, physical performances, obesity parameters, and enjoyment of the program) were measured.
Results:
Average exercise adherence was 91.67%, and no adverse events were reported in this feasibility study. At the end of the training period, body weight and BMI were significantly decreased compared to baseline. As for physical performances, both cardiorespiratory fitness and lower limb muscle power were significantly improved at post-training when compared to baseline. Furthermore, the participants experienced a high level of exercise enjoyment, and it was maintained over the 3-month training period.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that home-based, internet-based physical-cognitive exercise was safe and feasible for reducing obesity parameters, improving physical function, maintaining enjoyment over the course of training, and facilitating adherence to exercise in middle-aged obese women.
Background:
The constructive and specific feedback in guiding long jump athletes to improve their performance in each phase is part of the critical process for achieving desired long jump distance. ...However, to date, the potential approach for assisting a coach in capturing long jump movement and transferring their knowledge to long jump students is not well-established.
Objectives:
To investigate the performance of long jump students and evaluate transferring knowledge from coaches to long jump students using a Knowledge-Based Smart Trainer (
KBST
) System.
Methods:
Twenty-two participants (fifteen males, mean age = 15.33 ± 1.95 years; seven females, mean age = 14.57 ± 2.07 years) participated in the study. All participants were recruited from eleven sports schools in Thailand. Each participant was instructed to perform the long jump movement, including running, take-off, and landing, for three attempts (
Test 1
,
Test 2,
and
Test 3
).
Test 1
was the conventional approach (coaches provided the feedback based on their experience).
Test 2
and
Test 3
were the KBST system approach (coaches provided the feedback based on the results from KBST system). Two cameras were used to record the participant movement from the starting position to the landing position. The capture data were analyzed by KBST system program. The outcome measures were starting position, maximum velocity, maximum velocity position, and take-off angle. Repeated-Measures ANOVA was conducted to compare the long jump performance across the three trials. The statistical significance was set at
p
-value < 0.05.
Results:
There was a statistically significant difference between
Test 1
and
Test 3
for long jump distance (mean difference = 0.292; Std. Error = 0.129; Sig. = 0.34). However, the mean of take-off angle was similar across the three trials (
Test 1 =
12.16°,
Test 2
= 12.71°, and
Test 3
= 12.95°, respectively).
Conclusion:
The
KBST
system was effective in improving long jump students’ performance and also transferring knowledge from the coach to long jump students.
Objectives
To examine whether combined center‐ and home‐based Tai Chi training can improve cognitive ability and reduce physiological fall risk in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment ...(a‐MCI).
Design
Randomized controlled trial.
Setting
Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Participants
Adults aged 60 and older who met Petersen's criteria for multiple‐domain a‐MCI (N = 66).
Intervention
Three weeks center‐based and 12 weeks home‐based Tai Chi (50 minutes per session, 3 times per week).
Measurements
Cognitive tests, including Logical Memory (LM) delayed recall, Block Design, Digit Span forward and backward, and Trail‐Making Test Part B–A (TMT B–A), and fall risk index using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA).
Results
At the end of the trial, performance on LM, Block Design, and TMT B–A were significantly better for the Tai Chi group than the control group after adjusting for baseline test performance. The Tai Chi group also had significantly better composite PPA score and PPA parameter scores: knee extension strength, reaction time, postural sway, and lower limb proprioception.
Conclusion
Combined center‐ and home‐based Tai Chi training three times per week for 15 weeks significantly improved cognitive function and moderately reduced physiological fall risk in older adults with multiple‐domain a‐MCI. Tai Chi may be particularly beneficial to older adults with this condition.
Background. Effects of Tai Chi (TC) on specific cognitive function and mechanisms by which TC may improve cognition in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a-MCI) remain unknown. ...Objective. To examine the effects of TC on cognitive functions and plasma biomarkers (brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF, tumor necrosis factor-α TNF-α, and interleukin-10 IL-10) in a-MCI. Methods. A total of 66 older adults with a-MCI (mean age = 67.9 years) were randomized to either a TC (n = 33) or a control group (n = 33). Participants in the TC group learned TC with a certified instructor and then practiced at home for 50 min/session, 3 times/wk for 6 months. The control group received educational material that covered information related to cognition. The primary outcome was cognitive performance, including Logical Memory (LM) delayed recall, Block Design, Digit Span, and Trail Making Test B minus A (TMT B-A). The secondary outcomes were plasma biomarkers, including BDNF, TNF-α, and IL-10. Results. At the end of the trial, performance on the LM and TMT B-A was significantly better in the TC group compared with the control group after adjusting for age, gender, and education (P < .05). Plasma BDNF level was significantly increased for the TC group, whereas the other outcome measures were similar between the 2 groups after adjusting for age and gender (P < .05). Conclusions. TC training significantly improved memory and the mental switching component of executive function in older adults with a-MCI, possibly via an upregulation of BDNF.
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