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This study intended to investigate the impact of substitution rule change on the physical performance in World Cup tournaments. Running data from the 2022 and 2023 FIFA World Cups were used for analysis. The results show that substitutes have much more sprinting, high-speed running and moderate speed running per minute than starters (p < 0.05), with similar magnitudes of differences for the men's (28.4–47.6%) and women's World Cup (23.4–59.5%). Substitutes in winning vs losing teams had higher sprint distance (3.7 vs 2.8 m· min−1) and number of high-speed running (1.70 vs 1.58 times· min−1) in men's World Cup and higher sprint distance (3.3 vs 2.5 m· min−1) in women's World Cup. In the men's World Cup, substituted midfielders had a higher frequency and greater distance covered with high-speed running (1.85 vs 1.57 and 1.44 times· min−1; 10.1 vs 8.9 and 7.8 m· min−1) and higher sprint frequency (0.74 vs 0.71 and 0.62 times· min−1) compared to forwards and defenders, which was not the case for the Women's World Cup. Together, this study underlines the importance of substitutions for the team running performance in modern elite football under the new substitution rules, and practitioners need to pay attention to the use of substitute players under the new rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aim to better understanding the dynamic of performance changes between the first and second halves of professional soccer teams, statistics of 1899 matches from 2012 to 2019 of the Chinese Super League (CSL) were collected and analysed. The generalised mixed linear modelling was used to estimate the mean change of each of 40 physical and technical performance-related parameters of soccer teams from the first half of the match to the second, controlling the effects of match status, match location, team strength and opponent strength. Results showed that, out of the selected 40 parameters, only goals (first half vs second half M ± SD: 0.60 ± 0.76 vs 0.82 ± 0.92, ES; ±99% confidence limits: 0.21; ±0.05), shots (5.7 ± 2.8 vs 6.8 ± 3.3, 0.34; ±0.05), individual possession in the attacking third (55 ± 21 vs 62 ± 25, 0.31; ±0.05), cross (9.7 ± 4.6 vs 10.9 ± 5.8, 0.24; ±0.06) and yellow cards (0.75 ± 0.84 vs 1.24 ± 1.07, 0.45; ±0.06) showed substantially increment from the first half to the second, other parameters presented only trivial changes. Hence, it is concluded that the physical performance of soccer teams in the second half did not show meaningful change, while technical actions related to attacking tended to increase. The findings can offer soccer coaches valuable insights into when and how to adjust their tactics, manage their players, thus can maintain or enhance the team's match performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) weakness and asymmetry are both abnormal conditions of upper-limb muscle strength. The association between HGS weakness and physical performance is controversial, and the link between HGS asymmetry and physical performance remains unclear. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the associations of HGS weakness and asymmetry separately and concurrently with low physical performance among Chinese older people. Methods: The study used two waves of data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2013 and 2015. HGS weakness and asymmetry were defined according to the maximal HGS and the HGS ratio, respectively. Participants were classified into 4 groups according to HGS status: normal, asymmetry only, weakness only, and concurrent weakness and asymmetry. The logistic regression model was used to investigate the cross-sectional association between low physical performance and each of maximal HGS, HGS ratio, and HGS status, as well as the prospective association between baseline HGS status and new-onset physical performance decline after two years. Results: Participants with HGS asymmetry only, weakness only, and two abnormalities showed a higher prevalence of low physical performance when asymmetry defined as an HGS ratio exceeding 1.20 and 1.30 (all, p < 0.001), with the greatest odds in those with two abnormalities (20% threshold: OR 3.83; 30% threshold: OR 5.41). The longitudinal analysis found that HGS weakness can predict the new-onset low physical performance over a two-year period, with concurrent HGS asymmetry further increased the future risk of physical performance decline. Conclusions: Both HGS weakness and asymmetry were associated with a higher prevalence of low physical performance, in an additive way. This study will help screen older people with low physical performance more efficiently, and identify those at higher risk of developing new-onset physical performance decline within two years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Athletes typically try to enhance performance and reduce fatigue, and certain plants may offer performance-enhancing and recovery-accelerating benefits, as well as other health benefits. Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L. G. Lohmann is a species that is commonly used as a herbal medicine, mainly because of its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The effect of F. chica on physical performance parameters has not yet been investigated, though there is evidence that this species can act in this sense. Purpose: This study investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of F. chica leaves on physical performance parameters in Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: The animals were treated during 28-days with and without continuous swimming exercise, with an aqueous dried extract from F chica leaves administered via gavage. Doses of 15 or 30 mg/kg of F. chica extract were compared with the negative control (no treatment) or 5 mg/kg of caffeine (positive control). Biochemical and hematological blood markers were evaluated at the end of the experiment. Results: In the forced swim test, there was an increase in swimming time in the groups that consumed the F. chica extract at doses of 15 or 30 mg/kg of weight. Lactate and creatine kinase values were reduced in the group that consumed F. chica at 30 mg/kg (p=0.05) and 15 mg/kg for the exercise group (p=0.05), when compared to the other groups investigated. Conclusions: The aqueous extract of F. chica leaves influences the aerobic performance parameters and markers of fatigue in rats. This is the first study to report the ergogenic effect of F. chica extract, which can be explored in the development of products to increase the physical performance of athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Clinicians use reference values to contextualize physical performance scores, but data are sparse in individuals 90 years and older and racial/ethnic diversity is limited in existing studies. Gait speed provides valuable information about an individual's health status. Slow gait speed is associated with falls, cognitive decline, and mortality. Here, we report gait speed reference values in a racially/ethnically diverse oldest-old cohort. Methods: LifeAfter90 is a multiethnic cohort study of individuals 90 years and older. Participants are long-term members of an integrated healthcare delivery system without a dementia diagnosis at enrollment. We assessed gait speed using the 4-m walk test and calculated means, standard deviations, and percentiles by age, sex, assistive device use, and device type. We used linear regression to compare means by sex, age, device use and type, living situation and arrangement, and race/ethnicity. Results and Discussion: The mean age of the 502 participants was 92.9 (range 90.1-102.8) years. Of these, 62.6% were women, 34.7% were college educated, 90.8% lived in a private residence, 20.9% self-reported as Asian, 22.5% as Black, 11.8% as Hispanic, 35.7% as White, and 9.2% as multiple, "other," or declined to state. The overall mean gait speed was 0.54 m/s (women = 0.51 m/s, men = 0.58 m/s). Mean gait speeds were 0.58 m/s, 0.53 m/s, and 0.48 m/s in the 90 to 91, 92 to 93, and 94+ age categories, respectively. In those without a device, mean gait speed was 0.63 m/s compared to 0.40 m/s in those with a device (cane = 0.44 m/s, walker = 0.37 m/s). Mean gait speed was significantly slower in women compared to men, age category 94+ compared to 90 to 91, participants with a device compared to those without, participants with a walker compared to a cane, and Black participants compared to Asian and White participants. However, differences by race/ethnicity were attenuated when chronic health conditions were considered. Conclusions: Reference values developed from this multiethnic 90+ cohort will help clinicians interpret gait speed measures and tailor recommendations toward a 90+ population that is growing in number and in racial/ethnic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Gait speed is a robust measure that offers many advantages clinically. However, decisions concerning its utilization exist, including whether to assess usual or fast gait speed. The current study aimed to identify whether usual or fast gait speed was more strongly associated with physical performance measures and balance confidence. A secondary aim was to explore these relationships within subgroups based on fall risk status. Methods: This was an observational study with a cross-sectional design involving 57 community-dwelling older adults (77.2% female; mean age = 68.8, SD = 6.5 years, range = 60-87 years) who were assessed on the following variables: usual and fast gait speed, knee extension strength, step execution time, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC-6). Spearman ρ correlations were computed to determine bivariate associations of usual and fast gait speed with physical performance measures and balance confidence for the whole sample and within subgroups based on fall risk [lower fall risk (n = 28) vs higher fall risk (n = 29)]. Multiple linear regression models were estimated with either usual or fast gait speed as key predictors of knee extension strength, step execution time, 6MWT, and ABC-6. Results and Discussion: Stronger correlations were observed for fast gait speed compared with usual gait speed with all physical performance measures and balance confidence for the entire sample and within the higher fall risk group. Multiple regression results indicated that models with fast rather than usual gait speed as the key predictor explained more of the variance in 6MWT (R² = 64.5% vs 45.6%), ABC-6 (R² = 28.5% vs 25.4%), step execution time (R² = 24.9% vs 19.0%), and knee extension strength (R² = 15.7% vs 7.2%). Conclusions: Fast gait speed showed stronger associations and better predictive capabilities compared with usual gait speed with physical performance measures and balance confidence in older adults. Despite being measured less often than usual gait speed, fast gait speed assessment warrants additional consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sport, the awakening responses of cortisol (CAR) and testosterone (TAR) have been used as evaluative tools. Research findings are, however, inconsistent and the mechanisms involved are unclear. This study investigated the CAR and TAR in male athletes across light and heavy training weeks, focusing on skeletal muscle damage as a mediating factor. Twenty elite male judokas were assessed across consecutive weeks of light and heavy training (i.e., 6 days, 9--10 weekly sessions). Plasma cortisol and testosterone concentrations were measured post-awakening (+3, +30, +60 mins), along with creatine kinase (CK) at +3 mins. The CAR and TAR were indexed by baseline-corrected change scores (Δb30, Δb60) and area under the curve (AUCb30, AUCb60). The early-morning surge in plasma cortisol concentration (CARΔb30, CARΔb60, CARAUCb30, CARAUCb60) was significantly larger after light versus heavy training with effect-size differences of 2.14--2.64. The post-awakening decline in plasma testosterone (TARΔb30, TARAUCb30, TARAUCb60) was found to be significantly less pronounced, whilst CK level was elevated, after heavy than light training with effect-size differences of 0.95--1.04 and 4.70, respectively. Causal mediation analysis confirmed that CK mediated, in part, the training effect on the CAR, but not TAR, measures. In summary, male judokas, upon rising after a light training block, displayed a rising CAR (36%, 22%) and declining TAR (-11%, -15%) at +30 and +60 mins. A high-intensity training block suppressed the CAR (21%, 8%) and attenuated the TAR (-7%, -13%) with accompanying muscle damage offering one mechanism to partly explain the CAR differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the intra-season variation and the effects of contextual variables on total distance (TD), high-intensity running distance (HIRD) and high-speed distance (HSD) covered by Spanish football teams. The sample included 20 professional teams that competed in the Spanish LaLiga during the 2021--2022 season. Data were recorded using the TRACAB (ChyronHego, New York, USA) multicamera computerized optical tracking system. Multilevel linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of five contextual variables (1: phase of the season in six periods, 2: match location, 3: opponent ranking, 4: team ranking and 5: congested schedule) on TD, HIRD and HSD. Teams increased the running performance from period 1 to 5 of the season in TD (+2.2%; P < 0.05) and from period 1 to 4 in HIRD (+7.2%; P < 0.05), while a declining effect was found in period 6 for both TD (-1.2%; P < 0.05) and HIRD (-5.8%; P < 0.05). More HIRD (+1.5) and HSD (+5.3) were covered at home (P < 0.05), and more TD and HIRD were covered when playing against opponents ranked in the first (+2.4% and +5.3%, respectively; P < 0.05) and second quartile (+1.2% and +5.0%, respectively; P < 0.05), compared to teams from the fourth quartile. Football coaches and fitness specialists should note that running performance of Spanish teams increased throughout the season, but it declined during the last matches of the competition. Additionally, home matches and high-ranked opponents elicited higher running demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of whey protein supplement (WPS) in improving muscle strength, physical performance, and body composition in older adults has been widely promoted. However, the results of randomized clinical trials in this regard have been inconsistent. We aimed to determine the impact of WPS, compared to a placebo, during or without training on muscle strength, physical function, and body composition in older adults. Randomized controlled trials were thoroughly searched using PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library Database, and Scopus databases up to June 2024. The analysis focused on key parameters such as handgrip strength (HS), leg press, knee extension, gait speed (GS), 6-min walking test (6MWT), Timed-up and go test (TUG), lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM). A pooled effect size was calculated using a random-effects model based on standardized mean differences (SMD). Thirty studies involving 2105 participants aged 60 and older met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis of 26 RCTs showed no significant positive effect of WPS on HS (n = 11, SMD: 0.18; 95% CI: −0.13, 0.49; I 2 = 69%), 6MWT (n = 5, SMD: −0.08; 95%CI: −0.31, 0.16; I 2 = 0%), GS test (n = 4, SMD: −0.08; 95%CI: −0.43, 0.28; I 2 = 36%), TUG test (n = 9, SMD: 0.0, 95% CI -0.15, 0.14; I 2 = 0%), LBM (n = 11, SMD: 0.02; 95%CI: −0.13, 0.17; I 2 = 0%), FM (n = 15, SMD: −0.04; 95%CI: −0.18, 0.10; I 2 = 0%). However, ASM significantly improved after WPS consumption but with high heterogeneity (n = 2, SMD: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.28, 0.51; I 2 = 69%). In interventions incorporating RE, statistically significant positive effects of WPS on lower body strength were observed (n = 11, SMD: 0.25; 95%CI: 0.05, 0.45; I 2 = 0%). The present meta-analysis indicates that WPS, when combined with resistance training (RT), can enhance lower body strength but does not seem to have a significant beneficial effect on handgrip strength, physical performance, or body composition. Further large-scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings and elucidate the potential benefits of WPS in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many female military service members choose to use hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy and/or to control or suppress menses. Hormonal contraception, which comes in many different forms based on dose, estrogen/progestin type, and route of administration (oral, vaginal, transdermal, implant, intrauterine device, injectable), may cause side effects, some of which can influence military medical readiness, or the health status necessary to perform assigned missions. This expert review summarizes the evidence around common military-relevant side effects of hormonal contraception that could impact readiness, including effects on weight and body composition, bone health, psychological health, and physical performance, and serves as a tool for uniformed and civilian clinicians counseling female service members about hormonal contraception. Current evidence suggests some hormonal contraception can lead to weight and fat gain, may modulate susceptibility to mood or mental health disorders, and could impact bone mineral density and stress fracture risk; more research is needed on physical performance effects. Clinicians must be familiar with readiness considerations of each type of hormonal contraception to provide comprehensive patient education and allow for optimal shared decision-making about hormonal contraception use among female Service members. Considering the relative lack of data on the effects of nonoral hormonal contraception routes on readiness outcomes and the growing interest in long-acting reversible contraceptives among female service members, future research should continue to investigate effects of all hormonal contraception methods available to service members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcopenia, a condition marked by progressive muscle mass and function decline, presents significant challenges in aging populations and those with chronic illnesses. Current standard treatments such as dietary interventions and exercise programs are often unsustainable. There is increasing interest in pharmacological interventions like bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody that promotes muscle hypertrophy by inhibiting muscle atrophy ligands. Bimagrumab has shown effectiveness in various conditions, including sarcopenia. Aim: The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of bimagrumab treatment on both physical performance and body composition among patients diagnosed with sarcopenia. Materials and methods: This meta-analysis follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases up to June 2024 using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords related to bimagrumab and sarcopenia. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of bimagrumab on physical performance (e.g., muscle strength, gait speed, six-minute walk distance) and body composition (e.g., muscle volume, fat-free body mass, fat body mass) in patients with sarcopenia. Data extraction was independently performed by two reviewers using a standardized form, with discrepancies resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Results: From an initial search yielding 46 records, we screened titles, abstracts, and full texts to include seven RCTs in our meta-analysis. Bimagrumab treatment significantly increased thigh muscle volume (mean difference [MD] 5.29%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.08% to 6.50%, P < 0.001; moderate heterogeneity χ2 = 6.41, I2 = 38%, P = 0.17) and fat-free body mass (MD 1.90 kg, 95% CI 1.57 kg to 2.23 kg, P < 0.001; moderate heterogeneity χ2 = 8.60, I2 = 30%, P = 0.20), while decreasing fat body mass compared to placebo (MD − 4.55 kg, 95% CI − 5.08 kg to − 4.01 kg, P < 0.001; substantial heterogeneity χ2 = 27.44, I2 = 89%, P < 0.001). However, no significant improvement was observed in muscle strength or physical performance measures such as gait speed and six-minute walk distance with bimagrumab treatment, except among participants with slower baseline walking speeds or distances. Discussion and conclusion: This meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the effects of bimagrumab on sarcopenic patients, highlighting its significant improvements in body composition parameters but limited impact on functional outcomes. The observed heterogeneity in outcomes across studies underscores the need for cautious interpretation, considering variations in study populations, treatment durations, and outcome assessments. While bimagrumab shows promise as a safe pharmacological intervention for enhancing muscle mass and reducing fat mass in sarcopenia, its minimal effects on muscle strength and broader physical performance suggest potential limitations in translating body composition improvements into functional gains. Further research is needed to clarify its long-term efficacy, optimal dosing regimens, and potential benefits for specific subgroups of sarcopenic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of varying volumes of strength training on Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) outcomes in 12 elite soccer players. Participants were divided into two groups, ES1 and ES2, based on training frequency, age (over 18), and the exclusion of goalkeepers owing to differing training protocols. The ES1 group had a mean age of 23.06 ± 2.60 years, a weight of 76.35 ± 7.88 kg, and a height of 178 ± 6.06 cm, while the ES2 group had a mean age of 21.08 ± 2.18 years, a weight of 74.93 ± 3.13 kg, and a height of 179.92 ± 5.62 cm. Over the 9-week period, ES1 completed two strength training sessions per week, while ES2 completed four. The initial average FMS™ score for both groups was 12.92 ± 2.57 points, which improved to 15.42 ± 1.83 points by the program's conclusion. ES1's score increased from 13.50 ± 1.38 to 14.67 ± 1.37 (Cohen's d = 0.85), indicating a medium effect. ES2's score improved from 12.33 ± 3.44 to 16.17 ± 2.04 (Cohen's d = 1.35), indicating a large effect. These findings suggest that both training frequencies effectively improved FMS™ scores, with higher frequency leading to more substantial gains. These results indicate that both training frequencies effectively improved FMS™ scores, with the higher frequency group (ES2) showing more pronounced gains. The effect sizes in both groups demonstrate that the changes were not only statistically significant but also practically meaningful. The improvements in FMS™ scores highlight the positive influence of systematic strength training on players' functional movement abilities. The ES2 group, which completed four sessions per week, achieved greater progress, suggesting that a higher training frequency may lead to better outcomes in the FMS™ test. However, the potential risk of overtraining should also be considered. Based on these findings, we recommend that coaches tailor training frequency to the individual needs and capacities of athletes. While increasing training frequency can yield more significant improvements, it is crucial to ensure proper management and monitoring to avoid the risk of overtraining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compile a battery of test including various aspects of physical fitness that could be used on the field and to assess whether any of these tests are associated with future traumatic knee injuries in youth female team sports athletes. Prospective cohort. Sport setting. Female athletes (n = 117, age 15–19 years), from Swedish sport high schools, active in soccer, handball, or floorball. Differences in pre-injury tests values of 11 physical fitness tests in injured versus non-injured athletes, assessed as number of traumatic knee injuries over one season. 28 athletes sustained 34 traumatic knee injuries. Athletes who sustained an injury had a shorter distance on the Yo-Yo IR1 test at baseline than those without an injury (mean difference −193 m, CI -293− −65 m). None of the other tests, assessed for muscular strength, endurance, power, flexibility and dynamic knee valgus, differed between injured and non-injured athletes. Youth female athletes with lower intermittent endurance capacity, assessed with the Yo-Yo IR1, seemed to be at greater risk of traumatic knee injury. Neither hop performance, flexibility, dynamic knee valgus nor isolated strength tests at baseline could distinguish between injured and non-injured youth female athletes at follow-up. • In this prospective study, youth female athletes were assessed at baseline. • The prevalence of traumatic knee injury was 31% during the 12 months follow-up. • Field-based physical fitness tests generally were unable to predict injury. • Lower intermittent endurance capacity was a risk factor for traumatic knee injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the impact of swearing on aerobic endurance and psychological responses to exercise. In a randomized crossover design, 14 males (n = 5) and females (n = 9) completed 2 exercise sessions under the following counterbalanced conditions: (a) Neutral word (NW; Control); and (b) Swear word (SW). Participants self-selected a swear word that they would use if they “accidentally hit their head or stubbed their toe.” For the NW condition, a non-offensive neutral word with a similar sound and syllables was chosen by researchers. For each condition, the participants completed a maximal aerobic endurance test (Bruce protocol) on a treadmill. During exercise, participants were instructed to vocalize either their NW or SW every 3 seconds for 10 repetitions at the onset of each stage during the Bruce protocol, and to progress as far as possible until volitional fatigue. As a psychological measure, mood was assessed pre- and post-exercise via Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. All visits were separated by a minimum of 48 hours. Findings revealed no differences in time to exhaustion (P = 0.747). NW resulted in a worsened total mood disturbance score (TMDS) (P = 0.041) while comparatively, SW attenuated changes in TDMS from pre- to post-exercise. Overall, SW improved depression ratings post-exercise (P = 0.016) while NW caused no change. The NW resulted in worse post-exercise fatigue (P = 0.049) while the SW attenuated these changes. No other differences were noted between the conditions (P > 0.050). These findings indicate that the SW does not improve aerobic performance, but it may prevent decrements in mood due to intense exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to contextualise players' high-intensity activities (HIA) with individual tactical actions during match play with reference to playing positions. Tracking data was obtained using local positioning system devices from 19 male elite futsal players (28.8 ± 2.4 years). The HIA measures included high-intensity acceleration (ACC; ≥3 m · s−2), deceleration (DEC; ≤−3 m · s−2), and high-speed running (HSR; ≥18 km · h−1). Tracking data and match footage were synchronised using the SPRO™ to code players' physical performance and technical-tactical actions. A small statistically significant association was observed between HIA and players' actions with or without the ball (χ2 = 183.27 (2, N = 4234), p<.001; Cramer's V = 0.21). When players have the ball, the number of DEC efforts tends to increase with a corresponding decrease in ACC and HSR. When the players do not have the ball, ACC and HSR running tend to increase with a corresponding decrease in DEC. A comparison between HIA revealed that futsal performance requires greater mechanical efforts (ACC + DEC) than kinematic efforts (HSR). This underscores the importance of mechanical efforts within short space for futsal performance. Moreover, the diverse tactical actions associated with different player positions contribute to distinct activity profiles and physical requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine Triphosphate is a molecule with the function of generating energy, where high levels are directly related to cellular and muscular health. Oral supplementation appears as a possibility to guarantee such levels, and is normally consumed in capsules, which can be acute or chronic. To verify the influence of a dose of ATP on muscular performance in adults. This is an acute, crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study. 18 trained men were recruited, with an average age of 27.95 years. Two visits were made to the laboratory, where each of the protocols consisted of randomized supplementation of 400 mg of Peak ATP® or placebo, and 30 min later, five series were performed, where the first consisted of five repetitions and the following four of ten repetitions at 60° per second in knee extension and flexion on a Biodex® 4.0 isokinetic dynamometer, where the volunteers' muscle strength and resistance to fatigue were measured. For data analysis, data normality was assessed using Shapiro Wilk, the ANOVA repeated measures test with Bonferroni post hoc. To identify the size of the effect, the Cohen test was performed, and the statistical package used was SPSS 25 with an applied significance of p < 0.05. Acute supplementation was unable to achieve significant improvements in muscle strength indicators. The supplement delays drops in strength as the exercise progresses in knee extension compared to the placebo. An acute dose of 400 mg of ATP did not improve the volunteers' muscle strength indicators, but it was able to reduce fatigue levels as the exercise progressed, enabling greater performance for longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional methods for assessing lower body strength and balance, particularly in older individuals, lack objective and comprehensive analysis. The Up-Down Hop Test is widely used, yet leveraging mobile device sensors, specifically accelerometers and gyroscopes, can enhance the effectiveness of the Up-Down Hop Test by providing an objective evaluation of lower body strength, balance, and neuromuscular control. This study involved attaching mobile devices to participants during the Up-Down Hop Test. Data from the sensors were analyzed to assess patterns of body imbalance and fatigue, focusing on older participants. Integrating mobile sensor data offered insights into the participants' physical performance, revealing specific patterns of imbalance and fatigue. Although traditional assessment methods can observe these patterns, they lack measurability and auditability when evaluating the physical performance of older adults. The experimental results, obtained from analyzing data from mobile device sensors during the Up-Down Hop Test, revealed patterns of imbalance. These findings can be utilized in health monitoring and targeted intervention scenarios, specifically those aimed at enhancing physical performance and preventing injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Men demonstrated superior TUG, gait speed, and 5TSTS test results across different age groups. • Age, sex, and height were significantly associated with poor physical performance. • We highly recommend the utilization of age-, sex-, and nationality-specific reference values for these tests. To determine normative values and identify contributing factors for physical performance tests in older, Thai, community-dwelling adults. Nationwide cross-sectional study. Thai older community-dwelling adults. Thai older community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years who had no major health problems (N=1430) between March 2021 and August 2022. Not applicable. Normative values for the timed Up and Go (TUG) test, gait speed test, and 5-times sit-to-stand (5TSTS) test were determined for sex and age groups. Multivariable quantile regression analysis was employed to evaluate the participants, considering factors that may influence physical performance, such as height, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). The study included 1430 eligible participants. Their mean age was 68.4±5.8 years, and 58.5% were women. Men demonstrated superior physical performance in the medians (p50) of the TUG (10.0 s vs 11.0 s), gait speed (0.98 m/s vs 0.91 m/s), and 5TSTS (14.0 s vs 16.1 s) tests compared with women. These differences were consistently observed across age groups. Moreover, age, sex, and height were significantly associated with poor physical performance. This study observed variations in the normative values of TUG, gait speed, and 5TSTS tests among different age groups of older, Thai, community-dwelling adults. Additionally, our findings identified age, sex, and height as significant contributing factors to physical performance in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional methods for assessing lower body strength and balance, particularly in older individuals, lack objective and comprehensive analysis. The Up-Down Hop Test is widely used, yet leveraging mobile device sensors, specifically accelerometers and gyroscopes, can enhance the effectiveness of the Up-Down Hop Test by providing an objective evaluation of lower body strength, balance, and neuromuscular control. This study involved attaching mobile devices to participants during the Up-Down Hop Test. Data from the sensors were analyzed to assess patterns of body imbalance and fatigue, focusing on older participants. Integrating mobile sensor data offered insights into the participants' physical performance, revealing specific patterns of imbalance and fatigue. Although traditional assessment methods can observe these patterns, they lack measurability and auditability when evaluating the physical performance of older adults. The experimental results, obtained from analyzing data from mobile device sensors during the Up-Down Hop Test, revealed patterns of imbalance. These findings can be utilized in health monitoring and targeted intervention scenarios, specifically those aimed at enhancing physical performance and preventing injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) performed worse on both cognitive and physical assessments compared with healthy participants. • Combining complex gait tasks with cognitive demands offers insights into functional performance after mTBI. • Complex tasks showed stronger correlations between cognitive and physical performance than simple walking tasks. To investigate the relation between cognitive and motor performance in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and examine differences in both cognitive and motor performance between adults after mTBI and healthy controls. Multi-center, cross-sectional study. Three institutional sites (Courage Kenny Research Center, Minneapolis, MN, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, and University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT). Data were collected from 110 participants (N=110), including those with mTBI and healthy controls, who completed cognitive and physical performance assessments. Not applicable. Cognitive assessments involved the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics to evaluate domains of attention, memory, reaction time, processing speed, and executive function. Physical performance was evaluated through clinical performance assessments, such as the 1-min walk test, the modified Illinois Agility Test, the Functional Gait Assessment Tool, the High-Level Mobility Assessment Tool, a complex turning course, and a 4-Item Hybrid Assessment of Mobility for mTBI. Participants also completed additional trials of the 1-min walk test, modified Illinois Agility Test, and complex turning course with a simultaneous cognitive task. Individuals with mTBI performed worse on cognitive assessments, as well as several of the physical performance assessments compared with healthy controls. Complex tasks were more strongly related to cognitive assessments compared with simple walking tasks. Combining complex motor tasks with cognitive demands may better demonstrate functional performance in individuals recovering from mTBI. By understanding the relation between cognitive and physical performance in individuals recovering from mTBI, clinicians may be able to improve clinical care and assist in return to activity decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speed climbing will be a new discipline in Paris 2024. The physical requirements of speed climbing are different from the other climbing modalities due to the short event time requiring higher level of strength and power. These parameters have been measured through the Force-Velocity (F-V) profile in different climbing disciplines. However, there are no known results evaluating different speed climbing abilities to establish whether F-V relationship is a determining factor between performance levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the upper and lower limbs F-V profile in different speed climbing abilities considering sex. Twenty-six speed climbers were divided into two groups based on their level of performance: international level (men n = 7 and women n = 2) and national level (men n = 8 and women n = 7). Participants performed pull-ups and squat incremental tests and F-V profile variables [Maximum theorical values of force (F0), velocity (V0) and power (Pmax)], one-repetition maximum value (1RM) and %1RM where peak power was expressed were collected using a linear encoder. There were significant differences in F0, relative force, %1RM where peak power was expressed, and 1RM in pull-ups (p < 0.05) between groups. However, there were not significant differences between groups in squat variables. No significant sex differences were found in any variable. There were moderate-strong correlations between running time and 1RM (pull-ups and squat), F0 and FV-slope (pull-ups) (p < 0.05) analyzed in the whole group. In conclusion, F0 and 1RM in pull-ups were significantly higher in international climbers. Therefore, national climbers should focus their training on improving force by training with heavy loads. Additionally, squat F-V profile variables do not seem to be as important as in the pull-up for performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of light and heavy loads in the squat exercise on kinematics and mechanical variables in recreationally trained men and women. Twenty-two men and sixteen women were assigned to 4 groups: 40% and 80% one-repetition maximum (1RM) male (M40 and M80) and female (F40 and F80). Over 6 weeks, participants performed twice a week the full back-squat (SQ) exercise with initially equated relative volume load (Sets*Repetitions/Set*%1RM). All groups performed different amounts of work ( p < 0.05), while relative work (work/1RM) only differed between load groups ( p < 0.001). There was no significant Time*Sex*Load interaction. Based on the magnitude of effect sizes: M80 achieved small improvements in the SQ maximum isometric force (MIF; ES = 0.43, 95% CI [0.16, 0.81]); small gains in squat estimated 1RM strength were observed in the 80%-1RM groups (M80: 0.42 [0.18, 0.77]; F80: 0.44 [0.26, 0.76]) and the F40 group (0.42 [0.17, 0.81]); all groups made moderate to large gains in the average velocity attained against heavy loads (> 60%1RM; F40: 1.20 [0.52, 2.27]; F80: 2.20 [1.23, 3.93]; M40: 0.85 [0.29, 1.59]; M80: 1.03 [0.55, 1.77]), as well as small to moderate improvements in the average velocity against light loads (< 60%1RM; F40:0.49[-0.24, 1.68]; F80: 1.10 [0.06, 3.16]; M40: 0.80 [0.41, 1.35]; M80: 0.93 [0.25, 1.84]). Lastly, only the F40 group showed small improvements in countermovement jump (CMJ) height (ES = 0.65 [0.14, 1.37]). In conclusion, light and heavy loads produced similar strength gains in men and women when initially equated by relative volume load, although the standardized mean differences suggest nuances depending on the sample and task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 [OH]D) levels have been associated with sarcopenia, frailty, and risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas high levels negatively impact clinical outcomes. We determined optimal serum 25(OH)D concentrations to minimise the probability of sarcopenia in patients with heart failure (HF) by examining the dose-dependent relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and sarcopenia. We enrolled 461 consecutive patients with HF (mean age, 72 ± 15 years; 39% female) who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured using a chemiluminescence immunoassay. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Overall, 49% of enrolled patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Adjusted logistic regression with restricted cubic spline function revealed that the odds ratio (OR) of sarcopenia increased in patients with HF presenting serum 25(OH)D levels <14.6 ng/ml or > 31.4 ng/ml, reaching the lowest OR at ∼20 ng/ml. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that a serum 25(OH)D level below 14.6 ng/mL was independently associated with the presence of sarcopenia (adjusted OR: 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–3.78). Incorporating serum 25(OH)D levels <14.6 ng/ml, but not <20.0 ng/ml, in the baseline model improved continuous net reclassification (0.334, 95% CI: 0.122–0.546) in patients with HF. A U-shaped relationship exists between serum 25(OH)D levels and sarcopenia probability in patients with HF. Maintaining serum 25(OH)D levels between 14.6 and 31.4 ng/ml may help prevent sarcopenia in patients with HF. • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels to avoid sarcopenia in heart failure (HF) are unknown. • Serum 25(OH)D of ∼20 ng/ml had the lowest sarcopenia risk in patients with HF. • Serum 25(OH)D levels <14.6 ng/ml enhanced sarcopenia risk in patients with HF. • Serum 25(OH)D and sarcopenia risk exhibit a U-shaped relationship in HF. • Serum 25(OH)D levels of 14.6–31.4 ng/ml may prevent sarcopenia in patients with HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vertical jumps are commonly prescribed in literature as a method to enhance speed performance, yet the impact of puberty on this relationship remains unclear. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether pubertal stage affects the correlation between jump performance and sprinting ability in young futsal players. Methods: Seventy-six male players were categorized into pre-pubertal, pubertal, and post-pubertal stages. The pubertal stage was evaluated by the peak height velocity (PHV) in which it differentiated the players in prepubescent (pre-PHV), pubescent (mid-PHV) and post-pubertal (post-PHV). All of them performed the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), straight-line sprint (SLS-20 m) and sprint with change of direction (COD-25 m). The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used and when comparing the morphological and performance variables between the stages, the ANOVA one way with Tukey post hoc was used. To analyze the correlations between performance of sprints and jumps, the Pearson correlation test was used and in all analyzes a significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. Parents and players signed specific terms for the inclusion of athletes in the survey. Results: A significant correlation only being found in the pre-PHV stage for SJ vs SLS (r = - 0.63) and COD (r = - 0.50); CMJ vs SLS (r = - 0.56) and COD (r = - 0.48) compared to mid-PHV and the post-PHV for the same correlations. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the pubertal stage influences the level correlation between vertical jumps and sprint performance. Training to improve muscle strength through jumps to develop speed, to the detriment of specific training in this capacity, in players in mid- and post-PHV stages needs to be used with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key summary points: Aim: To analyze the associations between pain and physical performance in different aging contexts. Findings: Lower limbs Pain or Back Pain were associated with poor physical performance in older people. Message: Pain symptoms are associated with reduced physical performance in older people, even with interference from clinical and sociodemographic factors. Purpose: To analyze the associations between pain and physical performance in different aging contexts. Methods: Data from 1725 older adults from Canada, Brazil, Colombia, and Albania from the 2014 wave of the IMIAS were used to assess the associations between Back Pain (BP) or Lower Limb Pain (LLP) and physical performance by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Three binary logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, study site, education, income sufficiency, BMI, depressive symptoms, and chronic conditions were used to estimate the associations between LLP or BP and SPPB. The SPPB was classified into good performance (8 points or more) and poor physical performance (< 8 points). Results: The mean age of the older men was 71.2 (± 3.0) and the mean age of the women was 71.2 (± 2.8) years. Older men (72.8%, p < 0.05) and women (86.1%, p-value < 0.05) from Albania had the highest frequencies of self-reported general pain. Older women in Colombia had the highest frequencies of LLP or BP (33.5%, p-value < 0.05). In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, LLP or BP was significantly associated with poor SPPB (OR = 0.48, 0.35 to 0.66 95% CI, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Pain symptoms are associated with reduced physical performance in older people, even when adjusted for other clinical and sociodemographic factors. Protocols for aiming to increase the level of physical activity to manage pain should be incorporated into health care strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key summary points: Aim: This study investigated the association of oral frailty with falls in community-dwelling older people. Findings: Oral frailty was significantly associated with fall incidence, even after adjusting for the timed up and go test and sarcopenia. Message: Oral frailty is a possible fall risk factor, independent of other known fall risk factors, in older people. Purpose: This cross-sectional study examined the direct association of oral frailty with falls in community-dwelling older adults, controlling for the effects of sarcopenia and physical performance. Methods: The participants were 237 community-dwelling older people (age: 76.0 ± 5.7 years, male: 23.6%). Oral frailty was assessed using the Oral Frailty Index-8. History of falls, timed up and go test (TUG), and sarcopenia were also assessed. The association between oral frailty and fall incidence was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for TUG and sarcopenia. Results: Forty-six (19.4%) participants fell, and 130 (54.9%) had a risk of oral frailty. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, oral frailty was significantly associated with fall incidence (odds ratio = 2.38, 95% confidence interval 1.11–5.07), even after adjusting for TUG and sarcopenia. Conclusion: Oral frailty is a possible fall risk factor, independent of sarcopenia and physical performance, in community-dwelling older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key summary points: Aim: To investigate the correlations of sarcopenia and its components with peak expiratory flow (PEF) among Chinese community-dwelling elderly people. Findings: The baseline sarcopenia status was related to PEF and PEF decline in Chinese community-dwelling elderly population by cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Also, the changes in physical performance were associated with changes in PEF during a 4-year follow-up. Message: Improving sarcopenia, especially physical performance may contribute to the increase of PEF. Purpose: To cross-sectionally and longitudinally investigate the correlations of sarcopenia and its components with peak expiratory flow (PEF) among Chinese community-dwelling elderly people. Methods: The data were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 4053 participants aged ≥ 60 years were enrolled from CHARLS 2011, and 2810 were followed up until 2015. Participants were classified into no-sarcopenia, non-severe sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia groups based on skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), hand grip strength (HGS), and physical performance [gait speed, five-repetition chair stand test (5CST) and short physical performance battery (SPPB)]. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations of sarcopenia and its components with PEF cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results: In the cross-sectional analysis, the prevalence of non-severe sarcopenia was 14.6% and severe sarcopenia was 4.9%. The results of linear regression analysis revealed that sarcopenia and its components were all correlated with PEF and PEF%pred. In the longitudinal analysis, compared with non-sarcopenia, subjects with severe sarcopenia were associated with a higher risk of PEF (OR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.30–3.26) and PEF%pred (OR = 1.83, 95%CI = 1.17–2.86) decline. The changes in physical performance were correlated with changes in PEF and PEF%pred. No associations were observed between changes in SMI and PEF as well as PEF%pred. Conclusions: We demonstrated the associations of baseline sarcopenia status with PEF and longitudinal PEF decline. Also, the changes in physical performance were associated with changes in PEF during a 4-year follow-up. It indicates that improving sarcopenia, especially physical performance may increase PEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study assessed the intratest reliability of the modified 505 180° change of direction test in adult male professional players. Methods: 37 adult male players (age= 23.4±4.88 years, body mass= 75.7±6.46 kg, height=176.2±6.74 cm), affiliated with a professional club in the Chilean first B division, performed 4 attempts (two per profile) of the modified 505 test. Absolute reliability was evaluated using coefficient of variation, while relative reliability was assessed via the intraclass correlation coefficient, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Bland-Altman graphs and statistics. Results: Acceptable absolute reliability was found in the right and left profile (CV=1.82 and 2.16% respectively). Poor to good relative reliability was found in the right profile (ICC=0.586, 95% CI=0.335 to 0.759) and poor to moderate reliability in the left profile (ICC=0.562, 95% CI=0.309 to 0.742). Bland-Altman statistics found a Bias and standard deviation of Bias in the right profile of 0.015±0.79 seconds and in the left profile of 0.03±0.091 seconds. Conclusion: From the results it is concluded that the modified 505 test has moderate relative reliability and acceptable absolute reliability. In practical terms, this means that trainers should evaluate more than 1 attempt per profile. The reliability of the test should be taken into consideration to analyze subsequent changes, so familiarization sessions with the test would be necessary to improve its relative reliability. The data obtained can serve as a reference for teams belonging to the same league, as well as to analyze substantial minimal changes outside the intratest noise, according to the reported CVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to manage the training process and ensure positive adaptation according to competitive demands to improve players' performance in a team sport such as rink hockey. This research aimed to investigate the training load through external (EL) and internal load (IL) dynamics during preparation for a top-level national team during the 2021 Rink Hockey European Championship. A non-experimental descriptive method was developed. A two-way mixed design ANOVA was utilized to compare EL and IL across microcycles during training sessions: In general, results revealed significantly higher values between training match day -3 (TMD-3) to TMD-1 for Player Load (PL) (p = .05) distance covered (DT) and high-speed skating (HSS) (p = .001). Significant differences were observed on s_RPE on TMD when compared to TMD-3, -2, and -1. In conclusion, different EL and IL dynamics were observed during the preparation weeks; however, s_RPE did not present a "U" wave tendency from TMD-3 until TMD. Such results highlight the need to understand each sport's competitive dynamics and use the most appropriate metrics to monitor the preparation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among older people, community mobility was reduced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the longer-term changes are unclear. Aims: To study lower extremity performance and car driving as predictors of changes in older adults’ life-space mobility, autonomy in participation outdoors, and the risk of developing restricted life-space mobility from 2017 to 2022. Methods: Life-space mobility (scoring range 0-120) and autonomy in participation outdoors (scoring range 0–20) were assessed in community-dwelling individuals (n = 657) in 2017–2018 (baseline age 75, 80, or 85 years), during the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, and in 2021–2022. Lower extremity performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery, and car driving was self-reported at baseline. Data were analysed using generalized estimating equations and Cox regression. Results: During the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, life-space mobility decreased on average by 10.3 (SD 21.6) points and partially recovered in 2021–2022 (+ 2.7, SD 21.8). The same pattern was observed for autonomy in participation outdoors. Non-drivers and those with impaired lower extremity performance had a 2.4-to-3.6-fold adjusted risk of developing restricted life-space mobility over the follow-up period compared to drivers with intact lower extremity performance. Conclusions: For older people, the recovery of community mobility was incomplete after the restrictions stemming from the pandemic were lifted. Older adults with impaired lower extremity performance and who did not drive were particularly vulnerable to developing restricted life-space mobility, a situation that could lead to social isolation and reduced well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Remote assessments exhibited consistently high to very high levels of intra- and inter-observer relative reliability when compared to face-to-face assessments. • Certain remote evaluations showed acceptable absolute reliability. • Remote assessment are potential alternatives for healthcare professionals when in-person assessments are not feasible in clinical practice. Older people often experience a decline in their physical performance. Tests have been approved to evaluate this performance in person. Yet, the constraints associated with in-person assessments (e.g. lack of medical facilities, pandemic lockdown, and contagion risk) are making us contemplate setting up assessments remotely. To determine whether remote physical performance measurements of older adults are reliable and valid compared to face-to-face measurements. Forty-five subjects aged 65 and over completed the normal/fast speed test (NWT/FWT), the unipodal balance test (UBT), the normal/fast timed up and go test (NTUG/FTUG), the 5 and 10 rep sit to stand test (5STS and 10STS), the 30 sec chair stand (30CS), the 2 minute step test (2MST) and the flexibility before standing (SAD) once face-to-face and twice remotely, by two different observers. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), the standard errors of measurement (SEM%) and minimum detectable changes (MDC%) were calculated for both intra- and inter-observer conditions, to assess the relative and the absolute reliability. An ICC value exceeding 0.90 indicates a very high reliability, while an ICC between 0.70 and 0.89 signifies a high reliability. In clinical practice, a SEM % of less than 10% is considered acceptable. A smaller MDC % indicates a measurement that is more sensitive to detecting changes. Intra-observer relative reliability was very high (ICC>0.9) for the UBT, NWT, NTUG, FTUG, 5STS, 10STS, 30CS and the SAD; and high (ICC>0.7) for the 2MST and FWS. SEM% values ranged from 0% to 24.03% and MDC from 0% to 9.93%. Inter-observer relative reliability was considered very high (ICC>0.9) for all tests. SEM% values ranged from 0% to 17.68% and MDC from 0% to 7.32%. Our findings demonstrate that remote assessments exhibited consistently high to very high levels of intra- and inter-observer relative reliability when compared to face-to-face assessments. Additionally, certain remote evaluations showed acceptable absolute reliability, making them viable alternatives for healthcare professionals when in-person assessments are not feasible in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Sarcopenia is characterized by a gradual decline in muscle mass, strength, and function, primarily attributed to natural aging. The identification of sarcopenia relies on assessing muscle mass and strength levels, and using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) for this purpose remains uncertain. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the relative skeletal muscle method in estimating low muscle mass or sarcopenia and to explore potential correlations between sarcopenia, body measurements, and physical fitness. Methods: A total of 276 older adult women (71.95 ± 7.28 years of age) from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, participated in the study. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) measurements were utilized to obtain the SMI, categorizing participants into either the low skeletal muscle index group (LSMIG), indicating a risk of sarcopenia, or the high skeletal muscle index group (HSMIG), denoting non-sarcopenia. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, and physical aptitudes were also assessed. Results: The HSMIG exhibited significantly higher values in body weight, perimeters (arm, waist, hip, and calf), triceps skinfold, body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, fat-free mass (p = .001), and muscle strength (p = .014) than the LSMIG. Notably, the LSMIG demonstrated high positive associations with body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and BMI (p = .001). Conclusions: Low values in body weight, perimeters, BMI, and muscle strength may indicate the presence of sarcopenia. However, high values in perimeters (waist and hip) and BMI may frequently be associated with sarcopenic obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High demands on the physical training are set before athletes-fighters engaged in professional MMA. Therefore, the development of new programs for the integrated development of strength and conditioning training in mixed martial arts is an urgent direction in the training process. Research aim: to experimentally substantiate and develop a training program aimed at developing strength and conditioning readiness for fights among professional MMA athletes. Materials and methods. 24 professional mixed martial arts fighters aged 26.1 ± 2.5 and with 8.4 ± 1.3 years of experience in this sport participated in the research. The athletes completed two different strength and conditioning training programs for 18 weeks. Group 1 (CG) studied according to the standard physical training methodology, group 2 (EG) studied according to the experimental program developed by us. In the program, the strength and conditioning training of professional mixed martial arts athletes is divided into two blocks - the off-season (preparatory period) and the training camp (competitive period). In the first block, the training program consisting of three consecutive mesocycles included exercises to develop aerobic ability, as well as maximum aerobic power and speed-strength qualities. The second block of the program incorporated specific plyometric, strength, and conditioning exercises, focusing on diverse barbell exercises bodyweight workouts. Rigorous assessments were conducted to evaluate athletes' strength, conditioning, physical performance, and technical and tactical preparedness. Results. Revealed a significant improvement in the experimental group's athletes compared to those in the control group across various indicators, including strength, conditioning abilities, physical performance, and technical and tactical qualities. Conclusions. The experimental program uses in professional mixed martial arts fighters revealed an increase in the values of strength endurance by 18% and maximum strength by 12%. A positive relationship between the characteristics of fighters' strength and conditioning training and technical and tactical indicators has been established. The fighters' activity increased by 19.9%, the technical and tactical actions effectiveness by 27.1%, the defensive actions reliability by 13.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies on risk factors for death in nursing homes have focused on short-term observation and limited number risk factors. Aims: This study aims to identify factors predictive of 8-year survival in nursing homes. Methods: The study used the baseline measurements from the SENIOR cohort collected in 2013–2014. Data included clinical assessments (i.e., body composition, nutritional status, physical performance, level of dependence and cognition, frailty phenotype) as well as demographic information, number of medications and medical history. Mortality data were collected annually for 8 years. Univariate analyses were initially performed to assess potential predictive factors, followed by a Cox regression model using stepwise selection. Results: Of the 662 participants enrolled in the cohort, 58 (8.8%) were not further assessed due to the withdrawal of 2 nursing homes and 71 (10.7%) had no mortality data available (i.e., relocation, refusal to continue the study). Among the 533 patients included, 111 (20.8%) were still alive in 2022. Median survival time was 4 years (1.93–6.94). Multivariate regression showed that younger age (HR = 1.04 (1.03–1.06)), higher body mass index (HR = 0.96 (0.94–0.98)), higher score on the Mini-Mental State-Examination (HR = 0.97 (0.94–0.99)) and higher score on the Short Physical Performance Battery (HR = 0.93 (0.90–0.97)) were protective factors against mortality. Conclusions: This study highlights that certain modifiable factors related to physical or mental health contribute to increased survival in nursing homes. Because of its ability to improve physical performance and partly cognitive function, promoting physical activity in nursing homes appears to be a public health priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talent is a superior ability possessed by a person, it is genetic in nature and is largely determined by the environment in the development process until it reaches the optimal stage. To discover a child's talents, a valid and reliable instrument is needed that is able to detect these talents. This research is the first step in studying children's talents by using an instrument consisting of Anthropometric variables, physical performance (PP), and motor coordination (MC) to obtain profiles of these three performance features. Furthermore, through analysis we will also find out children's talents in sports and reveal the differences between students who have not practiced sports and students who have been trained in sports. This research involved 1001 children (boys= 518, girls= 483) in Pekanbaru City aged 7-12 years and consisted of 2 sample groups, namely students who had participate and had not participate a sports club. The results of this research provide information that there is no difference in anthropometry between students who have participate and those who have not participated a sports club. It turns out that student participation in a sports club has no effect on the anthropometric variables (p=0.278>0.05), as well as gender groups (boys, girls) which do not show any significant differences (p=0.997 >0.000). In terms of motor coordination ability and physical performance, significant differences were found between children who participate and those who did not participate a sports club (p=0.000<0.05). However, in the gender group (boys, girls) there was no significant difference in these two abilities (p=0.997>0.000). Furthermore, there was also no interaction found between children's participation groups in sports and gender on anthropometry, motor coordination and physical performance. Apart from that, using Sekora-SportKompas is also able to predict which sports are suitable for children based on the test results obtained, here are the 3 sports that appear the most; rhythmic gymnastics (total=263; boys=88, girls=175), golf (total=200; boys=104, girls=96) and horse riding (total=179; boys=99, girls=80). In the future, the results of this research will be used as a reference in recruiting athletes and developing long-term athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metacognitive skills (MESs) is one of tbe emerging research fields of metacognition. Tbe literature bas proven tbat different teaching interuentions impact uarious sports performance and individuals' MCSs. However, there is a lack of detailed systematic review about tbis topic. Tbe primary aim of tbis study is to investigate tbe effects of teaching interventions on MCSs in physical education. A comprebensive search was conducted usingfive databases. Tbe results indicate tbat notable impacts were observed on metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive behavior, less significant effects on metacognitive experiences. Tbe sports types primarily focus on team ball sports, witb limited research in individual sports. These results provide a valuable resource for physical teachers, coaches, and trainers. However, there is still significant room for research in comparing, tbe effects of different interventions on populations among different genders, ages, and levels of sports using various researcb designs. Consequently, future researcb should prioritize in-depth exploration in these aforementioned areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucb research bas examined tbe negative impacts of cognitive fatigue (CF) on subsequent physical performance, yet little research bas explored potential intementions, sucb tls virtual nature exposure (VNE), to disrupt these impacts and provide recovery effects. Fourteen bealtby adults (78% male; aged 28+8.1 years) completed two online sessions, one week apart. Participants performed a Time-loadDual-back (TloadDback) for eight minutes before watching either a nature (intervention) or urban video (control). Tbey tben completed as many consecutive pusb-ups as possible and rated their perceived exertion (RPE). Participants reported more CP following tbe TloadDback, where tbis CF declined following tbe nature video but not tbe urban video. There was no difference in pusb-up performance or RPE between conditions. We showed tbat tbe TioadDback increased CF ratings, and CF recovel ·7 was greater following, VNE. While tbis recovery did not translate into better pusb-up performance or lower RPE, it shows promise for continued investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study evaluated the effectiveness of an online multicomponent physical exercise intervention for older adults. • The multicomponent physical exercise intervention group showed a significant improvement in physical performance compared to the control group. • The physical program had a positive impact on balance, as seen in the improved tandem balance test results. • Both the intervention and control groups experienced improvements in physical performance, indicating the benefits of educational sessions on health and physical activity. • The multicomponent physical exercise intervention has the potential to decrease functional dependence among older adults and improve their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an online multicomponent physical exercise intervention (MPE) on the physical performance (PP) of older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted, with 110 participants assigned to either the MPE group or the control group. The MPE group engaged in endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises for at least three days per week, while the control group received educational sessions. PP was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline and after three months. The intervention group showed a mean increase over control group of 0.81 points on the SPPB scale (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-1.40; p=0.000) and in the tandem balance test with 1.26 more seconds (95% CI 0.21-2.31; p=0.019). These findings suggest that the online MPE intervention is effective in enhancing the PP of community-dwelling older adults, which may contribute to a reduction in functional dependence among this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All creatinine-based equations used for estimated glomerular filtration rate predicted in-hospital worsening renal function (the higher sensitivity/specificity ratio pertained to BIS-1 formula respect to MDRD, CKD-Epi and Cockroft-Gault ones). • Measure of physical performance such as gait speed (not reported in current cardiac risk scores) increased significantly their accuracy. • These findings suggest that a more accurate assessment of renal function and of physical performance should be incorporated into cardiac surgery risk scores, in order to improve prediction of in-hospital worsening renal function and, hence, risk stratification in older adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Though renal impairment is highly prevalent in older patients and influence post-operative outcomes in cardiac surgery; its prognostic relevance is debated and not fully assessed by surgical risk scores. We investigated the predictive role of estimated glomerular filtration rate formulas for in-hospital worsening renal function (WRF) after cardiac surgery. We prospectively enrolled in single-center cohort study, patients aged ≥ 75 years candidate to elective cardiac surgery. Four creatinine-based equations were used to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas: Cockroft-Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology, and Berlin Initiative Study 1 formulas. Each patient underwent geriatric and clinical evaluation before surgery with calculation of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores. In-hospital WRF was defined as a composite of an increase in SCr ≥0.5 mg/dl or the occurrence of grade III KDIGO acute kidney injury. The association between each eGFR equation, alone and in models including clinical variables, and WRF was analyzed using logistic regressions and ROC analysis. WRF occurred in 69 patients (19.8%), and the predictors of WRF were previous acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, 4-mt gait speed performance, and preoperative eGFR, irrespective of the equation used. With all equations, inclusion of these additional variables in the logistic regression models improved the prediction of WRF (AUCs 0.798–0.810). An accurate assessment of renal function and of physical performance should be incorporated into cardiac surgery risk scores to improve prediction of in-hospital WRF and, hence, risk stratification in older adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

· The clinical implications of heterogeneity in preclinical HF remain under-investigated. · Of a community sample, 25.3% were eligible for stage B HF, based on echo abnormalities. · Echo abnormalities without HF risk factors were related to normal physical fitness. · LV dysfunction/hypertrophy with HF risk factors were related to worse exercise capacity. · Evaluation of both HF risk factors and type of echo abnormality facilitates the stratification of HF risk. Clinical and echocardiographic features may carry diverse information about the development of heart failure (HF). Therefore, we determined heterogeneity in clinical and echocardiographic phenotypes and its association with exercise capacity. In 2036 community-dwelling individuals, we defined echocardiographic profiles of left and right heart remodeling and dysfunction. We subdivided the cohort based on presence (+) or absence (-) of HF risk factors (RFs) and echocardiographic abnormalities (RF-/Echo-, RF-/Echo+, RF+/Echo-, RF+/Echo+). Multivariable-adjusted associations between subgroups and physical performance metrics from 6-minute walk and treadmill exercise testing were assessed. The prevalence was 35.3% for RF-/Echo-, 4.7% for RF-/Echo+, 39.3% for RF+/Echo-, and 20.6% for RF+/Echo+. We observed large diversity in echocardiographic profiles in the Echo+ group. Participants with RF-/Echo+ (18.6% of Echo+) had predominantly echocardiographic abnormalities other than left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, hypertrophy and reduced ejection fraction, whereas their physical performance was similar to RF-/Echo-. In contrast, participants with RF+/Echo+ presented primarily with LV hypertrophy or dysfunction, features that related to lower 6-minute walking distance and lower exercise capacity. Subclinical echocardiographic abnormalities suggest HF pathogenesis, but the presence of HF risk factors and type of echo abnormality should be considered so as to distinguish adverse from benign adaptation and to stratify HF risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the short-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and return to sport (RTS) on neuromuscular performance, body composition, and mental health in well-trained young kayakers. 17 vaccinated kayakers (8 male, 9 female) underwent body composition assessment, peak power output bench press (BP), and 40-s maximum repetition BP tests 23.9 ± 1.6 days before and 22.5 ± 1.6 days after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. A linear transducer was used to examine the BP performance. The perception of training load and mental health were quantified with Borg's CR-10 scale and the Hooper questionnaire before and after infection. The difference and relationship of variables were used Wilcoxon test, Student t-test, Pearson's, and Spearman's r correlation coefficients. There was a significant increase in body mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass, but no significant changes in body fat, fat mass, and all BP performance after infection (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in training hours per week, session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), internal training load (sRPE-TL), fatigue, muscle soreness levels, and Hooper index, but no changes in sleep quality and stress levels after infection (p < 0.05). The training and mental health during the RTS period was significantly correlated (r = −0.85 to 0.70) with physical performance after infection. A SARS-CoV-2 infection did not appear to impair the upper-body neuromuscular performance and mental health of vaccinated well-trained young kayakers after a short-term RTS period. These findings can assist coaches, and medical and club staff when guiding RTS strategies after other acute infections or similar restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify match running performance (MRP) characterizing the most elite soccer matchplay, this study aimed to examine position-specific differences in the MRP of players competing in "big five" (BFLTs) and "non-big five" league teams (N-BFLTs). The data were obtained from 24 teams (BFLTs; n = 14, N-BFLTs; n = 10) during the UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches (n = 20) in the 2020/21 season using a semiautomatic video system. The differences in MRP between BFLTs and N-BFLTs, while controlling for contextual factors, were examined using linear mixed model. No differences in overall MRP between fullbacks, central midfielders, wide midfielders and forwards from BFLTs and their peers from N-BFLTs were found, while only central defenders from BFLTs covered more high-intensity running than central defenders from BFLTs (moderate effects size). For players on all playing positions from BFLTs, total- and low-intensity distance covered were lower in offensive phase of game and greater in defensive phase of game compared to their peers from N-BFLTs (all large effect sizes). This study demonstrated that the most elite match-play in soccer is characterized by increased efforts in defensive phase of game, and decreased efforts in offensive phase of game. Soccer training programmes should be adapted accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aim was to assess whether match-derived external-to-internal load ratios are a valid and reliable tool to measure physical fitness. Sixteen elite youth soccer players (17 ± 1 years) performed two maximal fitness tests. Subsequently, players participated in three intra-squad soccer matches in three consecutive weeks. Three GPS-based parameters of external load (total distance, PlayerLoad, high-intensity distance) were divided by three heart rate-based parameters of internal load (iTRIMP, Banister TRIMP, average percentage heart rate reserve) for the ratio calculations. Validity was established by comparing the ratios with results of the fitness tests, while between-athlete and within-athlete reliability were quantified. Most integrated load ratios were moderately-to-largely correlated with the various fitness parameters. Overall, a ratio consisting of PlayerLoad and average percentage heart rate reserve demonstrated the most consistent correlations with maximum treadmill speed (r = 0.69, P = 0.003) and the speeds associated with 4 mmol/L of blood lactate (r = 0.56, P = 0.024) and 80% of heart rate reserve (r = 0.54, P = 0.031). Most of the ratios displayed acceptable levels of reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.8 and coefficient of variation < 10%), with the minimal detectable change of all ratios ranging between 7.1 and 37.8%. Given their associations with physical fitness and non-invasive nature, certain external-to-internal load ratios may be used to monitor physical fitness in soccer players. However, the ratios may not be sensitive enough to detect small yet practically relevant alterations in player fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Access is considered one of the necessary conditions for achieving effectiveness and quality in health services. However, it represents a complex construct, with several interpretations, and can be understood as the ease or degree of difficulty with which people obtain effective and timely care. Barriers to access can be related to individual characteristics and those of health systems and services. Regarding elderly people living in rural riverine localities, these limitations are exacerbated due to the territorial dispersion of households and the difficulty of obtaining the necessary care near their homes. The aim of this study was to describe and test the association of sarcopenia and physical performance with primary healthcare attributes and the use of health services by elderly people living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon, Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in households with individuals aged 60 years or older living in nine communities located on the left bank of the Negro River, in the rural riverside area of the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The study evaluated socioeconomic and demographic conditions, health services utilization and the primary care attributes related to the use of and access to services, assessed by components of the Primary Care Assessment Tool instrument (PCATool--Brazil), a reduced version validated for Brazilian adult users. Physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery scale, and handgrip strength was al assessed, according to a dynamometer. The Sarcopenia Formulary (SARC-F) and calf circumference (CC) were used to assess sarcopenia (SARC-CalF). The association of sarcopenia and physical performance with the study outcomes was evaluated using hierarchical logistic regression for health services utilization (having had a medical consultation in the last year), and hierarchical linear regression for the continuous outcomes of the PCATool--Brazil (total score and each of the domains). The sociodemographic variables were inserted in model 1 and the clinical variables in model 2. Variables with p<0.20 were kept in the models. Results: A total of 98 elderly people (55.1% men; mean age 70±7.4 years) were included in the study. Low physical performance and suggestive signs of sarcopenia were observed in 52.5% and 28.9% of the study participants, respectively. Elderly with better physical performance reported more health services utilization (odds ratio (OR)=1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03-1.81) and higher scores in the affiliation (β=1.67; 95%CI=0.37-2.98), utilization (β=1.19; 95%CI=0.06-2.33) and longitudinality (β=0.99; 95%CI=0.09-1.90) domains of the PCATool--Brazil. Conclusion: The study findings showed high prevalence of impairment in physical performance and suggestive signs of sarcopenia in elderly people living in the studied rural riverside localities. Better physical performance was associated with use of health services in the previous year and with better evaluation of some primary care attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential effects of resistance training on sarcopenia in patients with intestinal failure (IF) are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of a resistance training program on appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), physical performance, body composition, biochemical parameters, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with IF exhibiting sarcopenia. A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted in a Chinese tertiary teaching hospital. Patients with IF exhibiting sarcopenia were randomly assigned to the exercise group or control group. Participants in the exercise group incorporated four sets of resistance training involving the limbs and abdominal and lower back muscles, six times weekly for 4 weeks. The control group received no specific intervention. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in ASMI 4 weeks after intervention. Secondary outcomes included handgrip strength, 6-m gait speed, body composition, biochemical parameters, and HRQOL. A total of 60 participants (control group 30, age 51.2 ± 12.9 years, women 43.3%; exercise group 30, age 53.9 ± 14.5 years, women 56.7%) completed the 4-week intervention trial. For the primary outcome, significant intervention effects were found in ASMI between the exercise group and the control group (mean difference 0.72, 95% CI, 0.56–0.89, P < 0.001). There were notable differences in handgrip strength (mean difference 2.7, 95% CI, 1.7–3.6, P < 0.001), 6-m gait speed (mean difference 0.08, 95% CI, 0.01–0.35, P = 0.034), body composition (including total cell mass, bone mineral content, skeletal muscle mass, lean mass, visceral fat area, total body water, intracellular water, extracellular water, and segmental water-legs), and biochemical parameters (including IGF-1, prealbumin, and hemoglobin) between the two groups (P < 0.05). No significant intervention benefits were observed for other secondary outcomes, including biochemical parameters (including albumin, total bilirubin, etc.) and HRQOL (P > 0.05). In this randomized clinical trial, we observed that 4 weeks of resistance training was associated with improved ASMI, physical performance, biochemical parameters (including IGF-1, prealbumin, and hemoglobin), and body composition in IF patients with sarcopenia. Resistance training can be recommended as a simple and effective method to improve sarcopenia in patients with IF. www.chictr.org.cn , identifier: ChiCTR2100051727. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key summary points: Aim: To investigate the possible association between White matter hyperintensities and sarcopenic parameters in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Finding: Our findings showed that WMH volumes were correlated with cognitive impairment, as well as various sarcopenic parameters. Message: Sarcopenia interventions may help improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease by decreasing the burden of WMH. Purpose: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been reported to be associated with sarcopenia. White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are common in AD patients. However, the effect of WMH on sarcopenia in AD remains unclear. We hence aimed to investigate the possible association between regional WMH volumes and sarcopenic parameters in AD. Methods: 57 mild to moderate AD patients and 22 normal controls (NC) were enrolled. Sarcopenic parameters were assessed, including appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI), grip strength, 5-times sit-to-stand (5-STS) time, and gait speed. The volumes of periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) and deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) were quantified using 3D-slicer software. Results: AD subjects exhibited a lower ASMI, a slower gait speed, an increased 5-STS time, and larger volumes of PVH and DWMH than those in the NC group. In AD subjects, total WMH and PVH volumes were related to cognitive impairment, particularly executive function decline. Moreover, total WMH volume and PVH volume were negatively correlated with gait speed across various clinical stages of AD. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that PVH volume was independently associated with 5-STS time and gait speed, whereas DWMH volume was only independently associated with gait speed. Conclusion: WMH volume was associated with cognitive decline and various sarcopenic parameters. It thereby suggested that WMH may serve as the connection between sarcopenia and cognitive dysfunction in AD. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether sarcopenia interventions reduce WMH volume and improve cognitive function in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WeChat provides the chance for online caring program to improve physical recovery and quality of life (QoL) in patients with cardio/cerebral vascular diseases, especially in special period such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread time. This study intended to evaluate the influence of the WeChat-based education and rehabilitation program (WERP) on physical performance and QoL in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Totally, 180 patients with ACS after PCI were randomized to the WERP (N = 90) and control care (CC) (N = 90) groups, then received corresponding caring program for 3 months. Short physical performance battery (SPPB) score, 6-minute walking distance (6MWT), EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) score, and EuroQol-5 Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) score were assessed at discharge, month (M)1, M2, and M3, respectively. Our study showed that SPPB score at M1 (P = 0.029), M2 (P = 0.048), and M3 (P = 0.030) was higher in WERP group than in CC group. Besides, 6MWT at M1 (P = 0.026), M2 (P = 0.023), and M3 (P = 0.041) were longer in WERP group than in CC group. Finally, EQ-5D score at M1 (P = 0.022) and M3 (P = 0.023) was lower, while EQ-VAS score at M1 (P = 0.020), M2 (P = 0.013), and M3 (P = 0.039) was higher in WERP group than in CC group. Subgroup analyses further showed that patients with baseline SPPB score ≤ 9 benefited more from WERP. Conclusively, WERP could be an option to improve physical performance and QoL in patients with ACS after PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Purpose: Slow gait speed has been associated with adverse outcomes in older adults, but little data exist for those 90 years and older, a group often referred to as the "oldest old." We aimed to establish reference values for gait speed in men and women 90 years and older. Methods: The 90+ Study is a population-based longitudinal study of aging. Our analyses of gait speed included participants who were evaluated in person and were ambulatory. Gait speed was assessed using the 4-m walk test. We calculated means, standard deviations, and percentiles stratified by age, sex, and use of assistive device. Results and Discussion: The 797 participants had a mean age of 93.5 years. Of these, 73.9% were women, 39.5% had a college education, and 98.6% were White. The overall mean gait speed was 0.58 m/s (women = 0.55 m/s, men = 0.65 m/s). In participants who did not use an assistive device, the overall mean gait speed was 0.66 m/s (women = 0.63 m/s, men = 0.71 m/s). In those who used a device, the overall mean gait speed was 0.38 m/s (women = 0.37 m/s, men = 0.43 m/s). Gait speed decreased with increasing age. Men had consistently higher average gait speeds compared with women across age categories. Men and women who used assistive devices had lower average gait speeds across age categories compared with men and women who ambulated with no device. Average gait speeds in our oldest-old cohort were slower than those of older adults younger than 90 years in previous studies. Conclusions: This study is the first to establish gait speed reference values specific to adults 90 years and older. Age-appropriate reference values are crucial to the accurate interpretation of clinical measures for patients in their 90s and above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]