A comparison of linear and nonlinear stability parameters in different clinical forms of multiple sclerosis
Conclusion Subjects with ataxic and ataxic-spastic MS disorder had difficulty in controlling their stability during quiet standing. The results of this study also confirmed that spasticity of muscles surrounding the hip and knee joints did not influence standing stability in patients with spastic MS. (Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity)
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - November 9, 2015 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Health benefits of cycle ergometer training for older adults over 70: a review
Abstract As the number of older adults continues to increase worldwide, more attention is being paid to geriatric health care needs, and successful ageing is becoming an important topic in the medical literature. A preventive approach to the care of older adults is thus a priority in our aging societies. The purpose of this study was to update evidence for the health benefits of cycle ergometer training for older adults over 70. We searched online electronic databases up to September 2014 for original observational and intervention studies on the relationship between cycle ergometer training and health ...
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - November 2, 2015 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

The time course of changes induced by resistance training and detraining on muscular and physical function in older adults
Conclusion A 16-week RT programme has positive effects on both muscular and physical function in older adults, although the time course of these adaptations is different. While the gains in muscle strength and submaximal endurance capacity were not totally lost after DET, functional mobility was completely reversed. Older adults can be reassured that if the need arises to discontinue RT for a certain period they will still retain a large amount of their acquired muscle strength, as well as a degree of physical function such as submaximal endurance capacity. The association between leg strength and sub...
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - October 29, 2015 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Possible neurocognitive benefits of exercise in persons with heart failure
Abstract More than 6 million Americans have heart failure (HF) and more than 500,000 are diagnosed each year. In addition to its many adverse medical consequences, HF is also a significant risk factor for neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and associated with cognitive impairment long prior to the onset of these conditions. Converging bodies of literature suggest cognitive dysfunction in HF may be at least partially modifiable. One key mechanism for cognitive improvement is improved cerebral blood flow, which may be possible with exercise in patients with HF. This brief review provides a ...
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - October 23, 2015 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Preliminary inconclusive results of a randomised double blinded cross-over pilot trial in long-term-care dwelling elderly assessing the feasibility of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration
Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that the used training protocol for long term care elderly is feasible, however, requires more closely monitoring of participants; e.g. needs protocol modifications that target improved compliance with the intervention in this setting. SR-WBV shows beneficial effects on physical performance for those adhering to the intervention. Trial registration U.S. National Institutes of Health NCT01543243 (Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity)
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - October 9, 2015 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

A qualitative investigation of exercising with MS and the impact on the spousal relationship
Conclusions Rather than an inexorable downward decline in physical ability that is common with MS, participants spoke of a positive reversal in physical function, which has had far-reaching implications for multiple aspects of their lives, including their psychological outlook, their sense of independence, overcoming isolation, and their relationship with their spouse, all of which are identified in the literature as notable aspects of life affected by the disease. (Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity)
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - October 7, 2015 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

EURAPA moves to open access: Research trends and challenges in physical activity in old age
(Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity)
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - October 7, 2015 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Exploring the context of sedentary behaviour in older adults (what, where, why, when and with whom)
Conclusions This study provides valuable information to inform future interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour. Interventions should consider targeting the home environment and focus on the afternoon sitting time, though this needs confirmation in a larger study. Tackling social isolation may also be a target to reduce sedentary time. (Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity)
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - October 7, 2015 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

The application of strength and power related field tests in older adults: criteria, current status and a future perspective
Abstract Leg muscle strength (LMS) and leg muscle power (LMP) are determinants of aspects of functional status and important parameters for measuring intervention effects in older adults. Field tests are often used for the evaluation of LMS and LMP in older persons. However, criteria important for the application of strength and power related field tests in older adults have not been systematically taken into account and are not yet fully listed and described in a single publication. Therefore, this paper describes criteria important for the application of strength and power related field tests in older...
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - October 7, 2015 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Systematic review of functional training on muscle strength, physical functioning, and activities of daily living in older adults
Abstract Exercise programs are often recommended for preventing or delaying late-life disability. Programs that incorporate functional training, which uses movements similar to performing activities of daily living, may be suitable for such recommendation. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of functional training on muscle strength, physical functioning, and activities of daily living in older adults. Studies in three electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) were searched, screened, and appraised. Thirteen studies were included in the review. These studies vary...
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - August 30, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Effects of Pilates method in physical fitness on older adults. A systematic review
Abstract Pilates method is employed for physical and mental conditioning. Elderly people could be benefited from a patterned and regulated conditioning work based on Pilates method. We performed a systematic review to assess the evidence on the effects of Pilates method in physical fitness on older adults. Our search included the following databases: MEDLINE-PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL Plus with Full Text via EBSCO and SPORTDiscus databases (up to April 2014). A summary of the results was performed using a best evidence synthesis and was reported according to the systematic review method proposed by Preferr...
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - August 21, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Erratum to: Design considerations for a theory-driven exergame-based rehabilitation program to improve walking of persons with stroke
(Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity)
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - May 22, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Training effects on motor–cognitive dual-task performance in older adults
Abstract This systematic review investigated whether healthy older adults benefit from training interventions in motor–cognitive dual-task (DT) situations and which specific aspects of the intervention and/or task selection contribute to training benefits. Training effects were analysed with regard to the training programme (e.g., general ST or DT training) and task conditions (e.g., standing or walking, complexity of secondary cognitive task). Literature was searched via OVIDsp (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO). DT studies were included by the following criteria: (1) investigation of at least one motor tas...
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - April 1, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Physical consequences of falls in the elderly: a literature review from 1995 to 2010
Abstract In the last decade, population ageing has been registered as a global phenomenon. A relation exists between falling and ageing, since falling frequency increases significantly with age. In fact, one in three older adult falls annually. Although ageing is generically associated with decrease and degeneration of psychological and physical functions, it is still not common for the correct identification of risk factors to lead to a clinical prognosis of the elder being in risk of falling. Therefore, the goal of this review article is to identify, categorise and analyse typical ageing and fall fact...
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - April 1, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research

Accelerometry analysis of physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults: a systematic review and data analysis
Abstract Accelerometers objectively monitor physical activity and sedentary patterns and are increasingly used in the research setting. It is important to maintain consistency in data analysis and reporting, therefore, we: (1) systematically identified studies using accelerometry (ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL, USA) to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time in older adults, and (2) based on the review findings, we used different cut-points obtained to analyze accelerometry data from a sample of community-dwelling older women. We identified 59 articles with cut-points ranging...
Source: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity - April 1, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research