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Background: The prevalence of pre-frailty is notably high among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Pre-frailty, an early and reversible condition between non-frailty and frailty, can lead to adverse outcomes such as increased unplanned hospital admissions and a higher risk of other chronic diseases. Early identification and intervention of pre-frailty in MHD patients are crucial. This study aimed to establish a simple and effective model for screening and identifying MHD patients at high risk of pre-frailty by using 50 kHz-Whole Body Phase Angle (PhA) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), hand grip strength (HGS), the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and laboratory parameters, with a specific focus on gender differences. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2023 at the Wenjiang Hemodialysis Center in the Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. A total of 244 MHD patients, including 130 males and 114 females, were enrolled, comprising 128 non-frail and 116 pre-frail individuals. Data were collected prospectively, including demographic information, physical measurements, and laboratory test results. All participants provided informed consent before enrollment. The FRAIL scale (FS) was used to assess pre-frailty in MHD patients. Grip strength was measured using an electronic grip strength tester, physical function was assessed using the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, and whole-body phase angle was measured using the InBody S10 device. Results: A total of 244 MHD patients with a mean age of 53.75 ± 0.90 years were enrolled, including 130 males with a mean age of 54.12 ± 1.26 years and 114 females with a mean age of 53.32 ± 1.29 years. ROC curve analysis showed that in male patients, the AUC of PhA for predicting pre-frailty was 0.919, with a sensitivity of 94.5% and specificity of 91.3%, and a cutoff value of 6.05°; in female patients, the AUC of PhA was 0.870, with a sensitivity of 70.5% and specificity of 90.6%, and a cutoff value of 5.25°. The AUC of FTSST for screening pre-frailty in male patients was 0.827, with a sensitivity of 62.3% and specificity of 96.2%, and a cutoff value of 12.95 s; in female patients, the AUC of FTSST was 0.784, with a sensitivity of 67.3% and specificity of 84.0%, and a cutoff value of 12.95 s. Additionally, in male patients, the combination of PhA and FTSST resulted in an AUC of 0.930, with a sensitivity of 96.4% and specificity of 81.3%; in female patients, the AUC was 0.911, with a sensitivity of 78.7% and specificity of 92.5%. Conclusion: PhA measured by BIA, in combination with the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, serves as an effective screening tool and predictor of pre-frailty in MHD patients. The combination of PhA and FTSST shows enhanced diagnostic value in female patients, while PhA alone is sufficient for predicting pre-frailty in male patients. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051111), registered on 2021–09-13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frailty is an indicator of a decline in quality of life and functional capacity in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients. Currently, there is no standardized assessment tool for frailty used in CR. The aim of this study was to determine if the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is feasible for assessing frailty in CR. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional study within the framework of the ongoing multicenter prehabilitation study "PRECOVERY". Patients ≥75 years undergoing CR after cardiac procedure (n=122) were recruited in four German inpatient CR facilities. Assessments included: CFS, Katz-Index, hand grip strength (HGS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and six-minute-walk test (6MWT). Outcomes were frailty (CFS≥4) and the correlation of frailty with assessments of functional capacity, activities of daily living and clinical parameters. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and correlations, using the spearman correlation coefficient and chi-square test to test for significance. Results: Data from 101 patients (79.9±4.0 years; 63% male) were analyzed. The mean CFS score was 3.2±1.4; 41.6% were defined as frail (CFS≥4). The mean time required to assess the CFS was 0.20 minutes. The findings show that CFS correlates significantly (p<0.001) with the following factors: Katz-Index, HGS, SPPB-Score and 6MWT (r≤-0.575). In addition, CFS correlated with small to moderate effects with co-morbidities (r=0.250), as-needed medications and need for nursing assistance (r≤0.248). Conclusions: The CFS assessment can be performed in under one minute and it correlates significantly with assessments of functional capacity, activities of daily living and clinical parameters in the CR setting. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; http:// www. drks. de; DRKS00032256). Retrospectively registered on 13 July 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep disruption is a frequent problem of advancing age, often accompanied by low-grade chronic central and peripheral inflammation. We examined whether chronic neuroinflammation in the preoptic and basal forebrain area (POA-BF), a critical sleep–wake regulatory structure, contributes to this disruption. We developed a targeted viral vector designed to overexpress tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), specifically in astrocytes (AAV5-GFAP-TNFα-mCherry), and injected it into the POA of young mice to induce heightened neuroinflammation within the POA-BF. Compared to the control (treated with AAV5-GFAP-mCherry), mice with astrocytic TNFα overproduction within the POA-BF exhibited signs of increased microglia activation, indicating a heightened local inflammatory milieu. These mice also exhibited aging-like changes in sleep–wake organization and physical performance, including (a) impaired sleep–wake functions characterized by disruptions in sleep and waking during light and dark phases, respectively, and a reduced ability to compensate for sleep loss; (b) dysfunctional VLPO sleep-active neurons, indicated by fewer neurons expressing c-fos after suvorexant-induced sleep; and (c) compromised physical performance as demonstrated by a decline in grip strength. These findings suggest that inflammation-induced dysfunction of sleep- and wake-regulatory mechanisms within the POA-BF may be a critical component of sleep–wake disturbances in aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the factors associated with low functional mobility in older adults residing in Alcobaça, BA. Methods: This is an epidemiological survey with a cross‐sectional design, conducted in 2015 with 473 older adults (62.4% women; mean age 70.2 ± 8.2 years) from Alcobaça, BA. The interview script addressed sociodemographic characteristics, health, and behavioral aspects. Functional mobility was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (≤6 points). Inferential analyses were conducted using the Mann–Whitney U test and Poisson regression (with robust variance and estimation of prevalence ratios and their respective 95.0% confidence intervals). Results: The prevalence of low functional mobility was 9.6%, with associated factors including the use of alcoholic beverages (PR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.01–1.13) and the number of repetitions in elbow flexion (PR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05). Additionally, older adults with low mobility had lower height, thigh circumference, and lower performance in handgrip strength tests, elbow flexion, and flexibility. They also spent more time in sedentary behavior and less time in physical activity compared to older adults with preserved mobility (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Older adults with low mobility exhibit poorer values in anthropometric parameters, lower performance in motor tests, spend less time engaged in physical activities, and more time in sedentary behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Declines in physiological function with aging are strongly linked to age-related diseases. Lifelong voluntary aerobic exercise (LVAE) preserves physiological function with aging, possibly by increasing cellular quality control processes, but the circulating molecular transducers mediating these processes are incompletely understood. The plasma metabolome may predict biological aging and is impacted by a single bout of aerobic exercise. Here, we conducted an ancillary analysis using plasma samples, and physiological function data, from previously reported studies of LVAE in male C57BL/6N mice randomized to LVAE (wheel running) or sedentary (SED) (n = 8–9/group) to determine if LVAE alters the plasma metabolome and whether these changes correlated with preservation of physiological function with LVAE. Physical function (grip strength, coordination, and endurance) was assessed at 3 and 18 months of age; vascular endothelial function and the plasma metabolome were assessed at 19 months. Physical function was preserved (%decline; mean ± SEM) with LVAE vs SED (all p < 0.05)—grip strength, 0.4 ± 1.7% vs 12 ± 4.0%; coordination, 10 ± 4% vs 73 ± 10%; endurance, 1 ± 15% vs 61 ± 5%. Vascular endothelial function with LVAE (88.2 ± 2.0%) was higher than SED (79.1 ± 2.5%; p = 0.03) and similar to the young controls (91.4 ± 2.9%). Fifteen metabolites were different with LVAE compared to SED (FDR < 0.05) and correlated with the preservation of physiological function. Plasma spermidine, a polyamine that increases cellular quality control (e.g., autophagy), correlated with all assessed physiological indices. Autophagy (LC3A/B abundance) was higher in LVAE skeletal muscle compared to SED (p < 0.01) and inversely correlated with plasma spermidine (r = − 0.5297; p = 0.054). These findings provide novel insight into the circulating molecular transducers by which LVAE may preserve physiological function with aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the relationship between grip strength and physical mobility and bone mineral density(BMD) in elderly hospitalized patients. Methods 235 elderly patients(≥ 60 years) treated in the Department of Geriatrics of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from October 2020 to October 2021 were selected to assess their grip strength and physical mobility(gait speed, 5 sitting up test time, and up-and-go test time) and analyze their correlation with BMD. Results Univariate analysis showed that grip strength and gait speed were positively correlated with BMD, and up-and-go test time and 5 sitting up test time were negatively correlated with BMD, and this correlation was present in patients of both genders(P

Introduction: Age-related declines in physical functioning have significant implications for health in later life. Physical activity (PA) volume is associated with physical function, but the importance of the pattern in which PA is accumulated is unclear. This study investigates associations between accelerometer-determined daily PA patterns, including composition and temporal distribution (burstiness) of upright and stepping events, with physical function. Methods: Data was from participants who wore an activPAL3 accelerometer as part of The Maastricht Study. Exposures included a suite of metrics describing the composition and the temporal distribution (burstiness) of upright and sedentary behaviour. Physical function outcomes included the six-minute walk test (6MWT), timed chair-stand test (TCST), grip strength (GS), and SF-36 physical functioning sub-scale (SF-36pf). Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess associations, adjusting for covariates including overall PA volume (daily step count). Results: Participants(n = 6085) had 6 or 7 days of valid data. Upright and stepping event metrics were associated with physical function outcomes, even after adjusting PA volume. Higher sedentary burstiness was associated with better function (6MWT, TCST, and SF-36pf), as was duration and step volume of stepping events (6MWT, TCST, GS, and SF-36pf), step-weighted cadence (6MWT, TCST, and SF-36pf). Number of stepping events was associated with poorer function (6MWT, GS, and SF-36pf), as was upright event burstiness (SF-36pf). Associations varied according to sex. Conclusion: Our study reveals that diverse patterns of physical activity accumulation exhibit distinct associations with various measures of physical function, irrespective of the overall volume. Subsequent investigations should employ longitudinal and experimental studies to examine how changing patterns of physical activity may affect physical function, and other health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired physical function contributes to falls, fractures, and mortality among patients undergoing dialysis. Using a metabolomic approach, we identified metabolite alterations and effect size-based composite scores for constructs of impaired gait speed and grip strength. 108 participants incident to dialysis had targeted plasma metabolomics via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and physical function assessed (i.e., 4 m walk, handgrip strength). Physical function measures were categorized as above/ below median, with grip utilizing sex-based medians. To develop composite scores, metabolites were identified via Wilcoxon uncorrected p < 0.05 and effect size > 0.40. Receiver operating characteristic analyses tested whether scores differentiated between above/below function groups. Participants were 54% male, 77% Black and 53 ± 14 y with dialysis vintage of 101 ± 50 days. Median (IQR) grip strength was 35.5 (11.1) kg (males) and 20 (8.4) kg (females); median gait speed was 0.82 (0.34) m/s. Of 246 measured metabolites, composite scores were composed of 22 and 12 metabolites for grip strength and gait speed, respectively. Area under the curve for metabolite composite was 0.88 (gait) and 0.911 (grip). Composite scores of physical function performed better than clinical parameters alone in patients on dialysis. These results provide potential pathways for interventions and needed validation in an independent cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical fitness is mandatory for public safety officers. Police officers experience elevated levels of cardiovascular disease and associated risks making fitness a peak concern. Officers often have more marked fitness level decreases with aging compared to the general population. This cross-sectional study investigated the cardiovascular health, muscular strength/endurance, and mobility of officers in a medium-sized police department (N = 83); (4 females, 79 males), age (36.82 ± 10 years), height (179.02 ± 7.7 cm), body mass (95.1 ± 16.29 kg) compared to American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines. The findings revealed that police officers begin their careers with above average strength but demonstrate greater declines with age than the general population. Officers also demonstrated cardiovascular fitness below ACSM standards and significant decreases with aging compared to the general population. Body fat percentages (p = 0.003) and BMI (p = 0.028) surpassed recommendations, with higher than normal increases with age. Maximum vertical jump decreased as officers age (p = 0.004). These findings support the implementation of a targeted physical fitness regimen and the resources for a program designed to improve current health and fitness, reduce the greater than expected decreases with aging, and aim to optimize occupational performance and the safeguarding of the lifelong health and well-being of officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration and sarcopenia are both age-related diseases without effective treatments. Their comorbidities may worsen the prognosis, and further studies on interaction and therapy are needed. The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in intervertebral disc degeneration, and to compare the characteristics of intervertebral disc degeneration with and without sarcopenia and effects of interferential current. Methods: One hundred twenty disc degeneration patients were included from 2021 to 2022 in a single institute. Medical records, examination results and radiological reports were reviewed. Patients with sarcopenia were screened and grouped according to Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. VAS, ODI, SARC-F, SMI, gait speed (GS), grip strength, disc Pfirrmann grading, standard cross-sectional area (SCSA), degree of fatty infiltration (DFF), and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were assessed before and after treatment. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia in intervertebral disc degeneration was 28.3%. The difference of VAS, ODI, disc Pfirrmann grading, SCSA, DFF and NCV between two groups were significant before intervention (P < 0.05), SCSA and DFF were related to the degree of disc degeneration. The improvement of SMI, GS, grip strength, VAS, SARC-F and ODI in intervertebral disc degeneration with sarcopenia group was significant after intervention, as well as SMI, GS, grip strength, VAS and ODI in those without sarcopenia (P < 0.05). The improvement of grip strength, GS, ODI and SARC-F in intervertebral disc degeneration with sarcopenia group were greater than the one without sarcopenia (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significance in improvement degree of other indicators between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia was high in intervertebral disc degeneration, and paravertebral muscles degeneration correlated with the degree of disc degeneration. Compared to those without sarcopenia, intervertebral disc degeneration patients with sarcopenia have more severe pain, poorer mobility and neurological function. Interferential current is effective in intervertebral disc degeneration patients and sarcopenia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The link between low grip strength, diminished physical performance, and adverse health outcomes in older adults has been well-established. However, the impact of older adults who cannot complete these tests on disability and mortality rates remains unexplored without longitudinal study. Methods: We collected data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Participants aged 60–101 were enrolled at baseline. We analyzed the prevalence of populations unable to complete handgrip strength (HGS), gait speed (GS), and five times chair stand test (FTCST). Completing risk models were used to estimate the risk of mortality and disability over seven years. Results: A total of 3,768 participants were included in the analysis. The percentage of older adults unable to complete the GS and FTCST tests increased notably with age, from 2.68 to 8.90% and 2.60–20.42%, respectively. The proportion of older people unable to perform the HGS was relatively stable, ranging from 1.40 to 3.66%. Compared to older adults who can complete these tests, those who cannot perform FTCST face a significantly higher risk of mortality, with 49.1% higher risk [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.491, 95% CI = 1.156, 1.922; subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) = 1.491, 95%CI = 1.135,1.958)]. Participants who were unable to complete the GS test had a higher risk of developing ADL disability, regardless of whether they were compared to the lowest-performing group (HR = 1.411, 95%CI = 1.037,1.920; SHR = 1.356, 95%CI = 1.030,1.785) or those who can complete the GS (HR = 1.727, 95%CI = 1.302,2.292; SHR = 1.541, 95%CI = 1.196,1.986). No statistically significant difference in the risk of developing ADL disability among older adults who were unable to complete the HGS test compared with either the poorest performing group (HR = 0.982, 95% CI = 0.578, 1.666; SHR = 1.025, 95% CI = 0.639, 1.642) or those who were able to complete the HGS test (HR = 1.008, 95% CI = 0.601, 1.688; SHR = 0.981, 95% CI = 0.619, 1.553). The risk of all-cause mortality was not significantly different for older adults who were unable to complete the HGS test compared to those with the worst performance (HR = 1.196, 95%CI = 0.709–2.020; SHR = 1.196, 95%CI = 0.674, 2.124) or those who were able to complete the test (HR = 1.462, 95%CI = 0.872–2.450; SHR = 1.462, 95%CI = 0.821,2.605). Conclusion: The risks of adverse events faced by older adults unable to complete the tests vary, indicating the necessity for future research to conduct separate analyses on this high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are commonly found in the aging brain and have been implicated in the initiation and severity of many central nervous system diseases. Furthermore, an increased WMH volume indicates reduced brain health in older adults. This study investigated the association between WMH volume and physical activity in older adults with depressive symptoms (DS) and mild memory impairment (MMI). Factors associated with the WMH volume were also investigated. Methods: A total of 57 individuals aged over 65 years with DS and MMI were included in this study. The participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to quantify WMH volumes. After WMH volume was accumulated, normalized to the total intracranial volume (TIV), the percentage of WMH volume was calculated. In addition, all participants wore a triaxial accelerometer for 2 weeks, and the average daily physical activity and number of steps were measured. The levels of blood biomarkers including cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived insulin-like growth factor-1, and brainderived neurotrophic factor were measured. Motor and cognitive functions were also assessed. Results: Faster maximum walking speed and longer time spent engaged in moderate physical activity were associated with a smaller percent of WMH volume, whereas higher serum IL-6 levels were associated with a larger percent of WMH volume. The number of steps per day, time spent engaged in low levels of physical activity, cognitive function, and all other measured biomarkers were not significantly associated with percent of WMH volume. Discussion: Higher blood inflammatory cytokine levels, shorter duration of moderate physical activity, and lower maximum walking speed were associated with a higher percent of WMH volume. Our results provide useful information for maintaining brain health in older adults at a high risk of developing dementia and may contribute to the development of preventive medicine for brain health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical exercise has demonstrated its effectiveness in the management of the deleterious process of aging. However, it is less studied in institutionalized elderly people. This investigation aims to clarify the benefits of a multicomponent training program in institutionalized older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with institutionalized older adults (≥ 70 years old). Intervention group (IG; N = 18) were submitted to a multicomponent training program based on muscle power training and interval endurance exercise, 2 times/week for 12 weeks. Control group (CG; N = 16) continued their usual mobility exercises. Independence was estimated with the Barthel index, and physical fitness and functional mobility were evaluated by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the 6-min Walking Test (6'WT), the 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT), hand grip strength dynamometry, and lower limb muscle strength and power. The IG improved, compared with the CG, in TUG scores in -7.43 s (95% IC: 3.28, 11.59; p < 0.001); in 10MWT scores in -5.19 s (95% IC: 1.41, 8.97; p = 0.004) and -4.43 s (95% IC: 1.14, 7.73; p = 0.002), 6'WT scores in + 54.54 m (95% IC: 30.24, 78.84; p < 0.001); and SPPB in + 2.74 points (95% IC: 2.10, 3.37; p < 0.001). Maximum muscle power and maximum strength did not show statistically significant differences. The multicomponent training program based on muscle power and interval endurance exercise was shown to be safe, well tolerated and effective for the improvement of functional mobility and physical fitness, but not for independence in institutionalized older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the relationship between alcohol consumption and physical performance, we used data from the 2015–2018 Know Your Heart study on 4215 adults aged 35–69 from Arkhangelsk and Novosibirsk, Russia. We classified participants' drinking status into non-drinking, non-problem drinking, hazardous drinking, and harmful drinking based on their self-reported drinking behaviors. To evaluate physical performance, we developed a Composite Physical Performance Scale (CPPS), which combined the results of three functional tests: grip strength (GS), closed-eyes balance, and chair rises (CR). We applied multivariable linear regression to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption and CPPS score, and ordinal logistic regression to explore the associations between alcohol consumption and the three functional tests separately. The results showed that harmful drinking was associated with lower CPPS scores compared to non-problem drinking. Among harmful drinking men, the decrease in CPPS scores was explained by all three tests equally and exceptionally by GS among women. Non-drinking was also associated with decreased CPPS, linked to lower GS and CR scores in men, and only lower GS scores in women. The study revealed a reduced physical performance in the non-drinking and harmful drinking groups compared to non-problem drinking. [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]

Background: Low bone mass is an independent risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. We examined the association between physical performance and bone mass using quantitative ultrasound in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 524 community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women who were not being administered osteoporosis medications. Physical performance was assessed on the basis of grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach. The stiffness index was measured as a quantitative ultrasound parameter for heel bone mass. Results: Physical performance, assessed by grip strength, chair stand time, and functional reach, and the stiffness index significantly decreased with age (both p<0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that grip strength (p = 0.001), chair stand time (p = 0.004), and functional reach (p = 0.048) were significantly associated with the stiffness index after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, and exercise. Conclusions: Physical performance was significantly associated with heel bone mass in community-dwelling postmenopausal Japanese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-sectional studies on diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis have focused on its incidence and related factors. However, the long-term changes caused by the disease remain unclear. This longitudinal cohort study aimed to elucidate the progression of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and its effects on physical function, health-related quality of life, and spinal alignment. We recruited 255 older adults (87 men and 168 women; average age, 71.3 years in 2014) who attended local health checkups in 2014 and 2020. Height, body weight, body mass index, blood pressure, grip strength, functional reach, and bone mineral density were measured. The prevalence, location, number of ossified contiguous vertebrae, and spinopelvic parameters were estimated using whole-spine standing radiographs. For health-related quality of life assessment, the Oswestry disability index and EuroQuol-5D were obtained. We performed a 1:1 case-control study with age and sex-matched patients with and without diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and analyzed progression over a 6-year period. In 2014, 39 (15.3%) of 255 patients were diagnosed with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (24 males and 15 females), which occurred more frequently in the elderly and males. In 2020, 12 (4.3%) patients were newly diagnosed with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and 28 (71.7%) of 39 patients diagnosed in 2014 showed varying degrees of progression. Compared with age- and sex-matched patients without diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, patients with the condition had higher body mass index and lumbar bone mineral density, larger sagittal vertical axis, and greater T1-pelvic angle. Changes in physical function and spinal-pelvic parameters during the 6-year period did not differ between the groups. Over a 6-year period, the prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis increased by 4.3%, and it progressed in 71.7% of patients. However, it had little effect on longitudinal physical function, health-related quality of life, and spinopelvic parameters in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of outdoor and household air pollution on physical function remains unelucidated. This study examined the influence of various ambient particulate sizes (PM 1 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10) and household fuel usage on physical function. Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) spanning 2011 and 2015 were utilized. The physical functional score was computed by summing scores from four tests: grip strength, gait speed, chair stand test, and balance. Multivariate linear and linear mixed-effects models were used to explore the separate and combined effects of PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 and household fuel use on physical function in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively, and to further observe the effects of fuel cleanup on physical function in the context of air pollution exposure. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses revealed negative correlations between PM 1 (β = −0.044; 95% CI: −0.084, −0.004), PM 2.5 (β = −0.024; 95% CI: −0.046, −0.001), PM 10 (β = −0.041; 95% CI: −0.054, −0.029), and physical function, with a more pronounced impact observed for fine particulate matter (PM 1). Cleaner fuel use was associated with enhanced physical function compared to solid fuels (β = 0.143; 95% CI: 0.070, 0.216). The presence of air pollutants and use of solid fuels had a negative impact on physical function, while cleaner fuel usage mitigated the adverse effects of air pollutants, particularly in areas with high exposure. This study underscores the singular and combined detrimental effects of air pollutants and solid fuel usage on physical function. Addressing fine particulate matter, specifically PM 1 , and prioritizing efforts to improve household fuel cleanliness in regions with elevated air pollution levels are crucial for preventing physical disability. [Display omitted] • Negative correlations among PM 1 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10 and physical function are identified. • Beneficial effects of clean fuels use on physical function are observed. • Among various air pollutant sizes, PM 1 causes greatest harm to physical function. • Air pollutants and solid fuel use have combined adverse effects on physical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]