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Background and Objectives Multicomponent training (MT) combines aerobic, strength, postural, and balance exercises and may be a promising intervention strategy for dementia. This meta-analysis study aims to systematize evidence concerning the effectiveness of MT in physical fitness, cognition, and functionality on activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults with dementia and to identify moderation patterns regarding training variables. Research Design and Methods 4 databases were systematically searched to locate potential trials through March 2019. A total of 2,312 records were identified and a final set of 17 manuscripts reviewed; of these, 6 satisfied all eligibility criteria. Results Samples sizes ranged from 27 to 170 participants; MT programs lasted between 4 weeks and 12 months, took place from a daily basis to twice a week, and sessions ranged from 30 to 60 min. The TESTEX scale was used to analyze the methodological quality, and the funnel plots to assess the risk of bias. This meta-analysis revealed that MT interventions benefit older adults with dementia regarding ADL performance (effect size = 0.313 [0.16–0.46]; p <.01), but the evidence was not sufficiently robust to determine the effectiveness of MT on cognitive function and physical fitness, particularly, on agility. Discussion and Implications MT may be an important nonpharmacological strategy to enhance ADL functionality on older adults with dementia. Findings suggest that long-term interventions are more prevalent than high-frequency and longer duration exercise sessions. Further evidence is needed for acknowledging its benefits in specific cognitive abilities and physical fitness. This meta-analysis is registered in PROSPERO (no. CRD42020141545). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in life expectancy, it is important to acknowledge the impact of health promotion programs on the elderly. The aimed of this study was to evaluate the influence of the Rio de Janeiro Ar Livre physical program on the functional autonomy of octogenarian elderly women's. To this end, elderly women's from 19 Rio de Janeiro Ar Livre program gyms were selected for the experimental group (EG) (n=23; 82.57±3.78 years), and for the Control Group (CG) (n=17; 82.88±2.23 years) from the attending cohabitation houses of the City of Rio de Janeiro. To access the functional autonomy was used Rikli and Jones (1999) protocol in two times separated by (28 weeks). It was observed in the EG a significant (p=0.010) increase in Upper limbs' strength test (13.00±3.41 to 15.09±3.60 times, pre and post innervation, respectively) and a significant (p=0.002) increase in 2 minutes Step test in the CG (36.59±15.00 to 47.24±10.96 times, pre and post, respectively). However, any significant differences between groups were observed in all variables analysed. Based in the present data we can conclude that the training program was only effective in the promotions of the functional strength of the upper limbs and to maintain the functional autonomy of octogenarian elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: The importance of strength training to elderly individuals is well established. However, the dose–response relationship of the benefits of strength training in this population is unclear. The purpose of the study was to use meta-analysis to investigate the dose–response of the effects of strength training in elderly individuals. Design: Fifteen studies with a total of 84 effect-sizes were included. The analyses examined the dose–response relationships of the following training variables ‘intensity’, ‘number of sets’, ‘weekly frequency’, and ‘training duration’ on strength improvement. Methods: The studies selected met the following inclusion criteria: (a) randomized controlled trials; (b) trained healthy subjects of both genders; (c) trained subjects aged 55 years or older; (d) strength increases were determined pre- and post-training; (e) use of similar strength evaluation techniques (strength determined by a repetition maximum test) and training routine (dynamic concentric–eccentric knee extension exercise to train the quadriceps muscle group). The effect-sizes were calculated using fixed and random effect models with the main effects determined by meta-regression. Results: Many combinations of training variables resulted in strength increases. However meta-regression indicated only “training duration” had a significant dose–response relationship to strength gains (p =0.001). Over durations of 8–52 weeks, longer training durations had a greater effect on strength gains compared to shorter duration protocols. Conclusions: Resistive training causes strength gains in elderly individuals, provided the training duration is sufficiently long, regardless of the combination of other training variables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Social, political, economic and environmental progress and scientific development in different areas improved overall health and quality of life, therefore increasing life expectancy. In a biological perspective, aging is defined as the degeneration of organic functions and structures, with consequent decline of motor and mental capacities. In this context, regular physical exercise has been considered an important strategy to preserve functional autonomy and to prevent chronic-degenerative diseases. This article aimed at reviewing the literature on the potential benefits of physical exercise to health and quality of life in the elderly, as well as to describe exercise intervention programs for this population developed by the Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion of the Institute of Physical Education and Sports from the University of Rio de Janeiro State (LABSAU). It can be concluded that systematic exercise can bring about several benefits in both physical and mental health, improving the quality of life in the old age. Through its intervention programs and partnerships, LABSAU has been offering opportunities of engagement of the elderly in physical activity programs of different natures, thus contributing to the development of this area of interest in the state of Rio de Janeiro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a study of the effect of resistance exercise order on variables such as exercise repetitions, peak oxygen uptake, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in younger and women participating in strength training. Research subjects completed sets of exercises such as bench press, shoulder press, and pulley triceps extension in different orders until fatigue. The results indicated that exercise order influenced early fatigue in older women.

The article presents a study which compares the autonomy of action of elderly female participants on physical activity programs in Brazil and Belgium. Autonomy of action is important for quality of life. This study has been using the Senior System for Evaluation of Autonomy of Action (SysSen). The SysSen is composed of a questionnaire (QSAP) about the aerobic power and upper limb strength needed for a life perceived as autonomous and a field test.