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As the global demographic shifts toward an aging population, aging-related problems, particularly in older individuals with dynapenia, are increasingly gaining attention. However, interventional studies focusing on physical and cognitive function and sleep quality in such individuals are limited, indicating a need for further exploration. The present study investigated the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on physical and cognitive function and sleep quality in older people with dynapenia residing in long-term care institutions. This study was a randomized controlled trial. The experimental group underwent WBV training three times a week for 3 months, whereas the control group continued with their regular daily care routine. Statistical analyses were performed using the Traditional Chinese version of SAS Statistics version 9.4. Paired t tests, a one-way analysis of variance, independent t tests, and generalized estimating equation analysis were performed. The results revealed that compared with the control group, the experimental group experienced significant improvements in grip strength, instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive function, and sleep quality in terms of latency and duration. These findings suggest that 3 months of WBV training can effectively enhance physical and cognitive function and sleep quality in older people with dynapenia residing in long-term care institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) in patients with stroke, specifically focusing on its effects on physical function, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL). Additionally, potential moderators influencing WBVT outcomes were explored. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to September 2022. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials employing WBVT in patients with stroke. Two investigators independently extracted the data and calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) using random-effect models. Results: Twenty-five studies involving 991 patients were included in this metaanalysis. WBVT demonstrated significant reductions in spasticity (SMD = −0.33, 95% CI = −0.61 to −0.06, p = 0.02), improvements in motor function (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.61, p < 0.01), and enhancements in balance function (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.47, p < 0.01) in patients with stroke. However, no significant effects were observed for gait (SMD = −0.23, 95% CI = −0.50 to 0.04, p = 0.10), ADL (SMD = −0.01, 95% CI = −0.46 to 0.44, p = 0.97), or QOL (SMD = 0.12, 95% CI = −0.30 to 0.53, p = 0.59). Subgroup analyses revealed that variable frequency vibration and side-alternating vibration exhibited significant efficacy in reducing spasticity and improving motor and balance functions, while fixed frequency vibration and vertical vibration did not yield significant therapeutic benefits in these domains. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that WBVT may serve as a viable adjunct therapy for stroke patients to alleviate spasticity and enhance motor and balance functions. Variable frequency and side-alternating vibration appear to be crucial factors influencing the therapeutic effects of WBVT on these dysfunctions. Nonetheless, WBVT did not show significant effects on gait, ADL, or QOL in stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age‐related alterations in physiology lead to declines in physical function that are associated with numerous adverse outcomes among older adults. Utilizing a hybrid design, we aimed to understand whether both long‐term and short‐term Tai Chi (TC) training are associated with age‐related decline in physical function in healthy older adults. We first conducted cross‐sectional comparisons among TC‐naïve older adults (n = 60, 64.2 ± 7.7 years), TC‐expert older adults (n = 27, 62.8 ± 7.6 years, 24.5 ± 12 years experience), and TC‐naïve younger adults (n = 15, 28.7 ± 3.2 years) to inform long‐term effects of TC training on physical function, including single leg stance time with eyes closed, grip strength, Timed Up and Go, maximum walking speed, functional reach, and vertical jump for lower‐extremity power. There were significant differences among the three groups on all the six tests. For most functional tests, TC‐experts performed better than age‐matched TC‐naïve controls and were statistically indistinguishable from young healthy adult controls. Long‐term TC training was associated with higher levels of physical function in older adults, suggesting a potential preventative healthy aging effect. In the randomized longitudinal trial, TC‐naïve subjects were randomized (n = 31 to Tai Chi group, n = 29 to usual care control group) to evaluate the short‐term effects of TC over 6 months on all outcomes. TC's short‐term impacts on physical function were small and not statistically significant. The impact of short‐term training in healthy adults is less clear. Both potential longer‐term preventive effects and shorter‐term restorative effects warrant further research with rigorous, adequately powered controlled clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidisciplinary approach, to Breast Cancer (BC) has significantly improved patient survival time, but the patients suffer from adverse effects of cancer and anti-cancer treatment affecting their functionality and overall quality of life. This case series aimed to identify limitations in physical functioning among patients with breast cancer. An interview guide was developed on the basis of literature definition of ‘physical function’, its determinants, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health criteria on functioning, and literature published on relevant factors in BC. Fifteen women diagnosed with BC, who were either undergoing active treatment or completed it, with age ranging between 26-75 years, were included. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using interview guide and responses were audio-recorded. The responses obtained were then coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Out of total 15 participants, three were on ongoing active treatment and 12 had completed it (nine were within one year of completion of active treatment). Thematic analysis revealed that the subjects experienced impairments in upper quarter flexibility (n=7), upper limb functional strength (n=9), limitations in basic (n=5) and instrumental activities of daily living (n=12) and many had done changes in performing activities at home or workplace (n=12). Many women had pain (n=13) in neck or arm after sustained activity, swelling in arm, cording, fatigue, impairment of balance (n=6) and negative body image perception. Such limitations were more prevalent among old and frail. Limitations in physical functioning were found prevalent among participants in the present case series which points out the need for long term surveillance of women with breast cancer for physical functional limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]