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An increase in the percentage of elderly subjects in the society has been observed in Poland and in the world from many years. Ageing is associated with an impaired functioning of many organs and systems, including the immune system, respiratory system and the urinary tract. Although circulating immune cell numbers and immunoglobulin levels are relatively unchanged, changes in cell activity (especially T-lymphocyte function, among others an increase in CD4+/CD8+ ratio and increase in the proportion of memory cells with a concomitant decrease in naive T lymphocytes) cause a decline in both cell-mediated immunity and antibody response to immunogen. Age-associated changes in local defenses are also important: decreased functioning of respiratory system, ageing of the skin, atrophy of urinary tract, and decrease in gastric acidity. All of these impairments result in decreased resistance to infections. People over the age of 65 are at increased risk of developing pneumonia, influenza and urinary tract infections. It presents not only a serious clinical problem but also epidemiological and social one.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between plasma FG levels and coexisting cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factors, comorbidities, functional status and cognitive function in a random sample of 270 (163 women and 107 men) community-dwelling elderly aged 65–79 years. The assessment included demographic and social variables, health status, nutritional state, physical and cognitive function. Physical activity was assessed by the Stanford Usual Activity Questionnaire. The average plasma FG level was lower in men 3.1 ± 0.9 g/l (±SD) than in women 3.6 ± 1.1 g/l. In the whole group of elderly people, body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, calf circumference as well as total and low density cholesterol were positively correlated with FG levels, whereas the Stanford Moderate Index-negatively. Multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that female gender, calf circumference and the Stanford Moderate Index are the factors that independently predict FG levels. In conclusion, FG seems not to be related to functional status or cognitive function of older individuals. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that female gender, excess body fatness and low physical activity have an independent contribution to higher plasma FG levels in community-dwelling older subjects.

The aim of the study was to determine the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of blood plasma in healthy men and in men with coronary heart disease differentiated by their level of physical activity.The study was carried out in the two groups of age-adjusted men. Group I comprised 100 healthy men aged 56.6 +/- 8.5 years and group II involved 100 men with identified coronary heart disease aged 56.6 +/- 7.2 years. BMI was determined in every participant. Level of energy expediture was determined by calculating the amount of hours per week spent for different recreational sports activities. Spectrophotometric method FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) was applied to estimate total antioxidant capacity of blood plasma.Values of absorbance describing level of total antioxidant capacity of blood plasma in 1', 3' and 10' minut of reaction time window differed between groups. Men with coronary heart disease were characterised by higher antioxidant defense system than healthy ones. Energy expediture expressed in kcal per week was statistically higher in healthy subjects. In healthy men positive correlation was found between level of total antioxidant capacity (in 1', 3' and 10' minut of reaction time window) and BMI (por = 0.05). Statistically significant negative correlation was found for TAC and level of energy expediture. Among men with coronary heart disease there was statistically significant positive correlation between the values of total antioxidant capacity (in 1', 3' and 10' minut of reaction time window) and BMI. There was no statistically significant correlation neither between age and TAC, nor between energy expediture and TAC.The level of total antioxidant capacity estimated with FRAP method was higher in men with coronary heart disease in comparison with healthy men. Antioxidant potential was higher along with the increase of BMI in both groups. Increased energy expenditure was related to decreased total antioxidant capacity, but only in healthy men.

The incidence of thromboembolic episodes as well as cardiovascular diseases increases with advancing age. Antythrombin III (AT III) is one of the three natural anticoagulants (AT III, protein C, protein S) circulatig in blood vessels and responsible for an adequate blood flow. The aim of the study was to evaluate AT III level in a random sample of community-dwelling older inhabitants of Lodz (Poland), and to assess the relationship of AT III activity with other cardiovascular risk factors and selected elements of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. In 176 examined subjects (108 women and 68 men) mean AT III activity was 89.8 +/- 20.7%. Statistically significant relationship of AT III activity with age (Spearman's rho=-0.23; p=0.002), trigliceride level (rho=0.17; p=0.03), Geriatric Depression Scale (rho=-0.17; p=0.03) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (rho=0.16; p=0.03) was found. AT III activity was not associated with gender, BMI, WHR, percentage of body fat, total, LDL and HDL-cholesterol levels, glucose, fibrinogen, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, smoking habit, Activities of Daily Living scale, Mini-Mental State Examination scale, physical activity level and concomitant diseases. These results suggest that age, depression, and lower functional capacity are associated with lower AT III activity and may contribute to overall thromboembolic risk profile in adults aged more than 65 years.

There are only few studies analyzing longitudinal effects of regular physical activity on the prevalence of obesity and other characteristics of metabolic syndrome. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of various training programs on the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged men. Long-term effects of training (mean 17.5 years) have been compared in 305 men aged 30-59 years (mean 41.8) divided into three groups: sedentary (S) individuals (LTPA1000 kcal/week), group with moderate (M) LTPA (LTPA between 1000-2000 kcal/week) and highly (H) active group (LTPA2000 kcal/week). We analyzed also aerobic capacity influence on anthropometric and metabolic data. Mean values of body weight, BMI and body fat increased in all groups, however the values in H group are much more favorable as compared with sedentary and moderately active individuals. At final examination we diagnosed obesity (BMIor = 30.0 kg/m2) in 23.3% sedentary men, 20.0% of moderate activity and 12% of highly active group. Frequency of obesity increased above twofold in sedentary individuals (10.8 vs 23.3%). Consequently only H group was able to maintain BMI value about 25.0 and to increase significantly HDL (51.7 vs. 56.6 mg/dl) in the follow-up. Metabolic syndrome as defined by ATP III has been diagnosed in 26.6% of sedentary, 23.1% of moderate and only 8.4% of highly active middle-aged men.the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome development in middle-aged men depends on leisure time physical activity volume and aerobic capacity. Training with exercise expenditure2000 kcal/week which results in maintenance of good aerobic capacity level is a strong protective factor in development of obesity and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged men.

In recent years more attention is paid to the role of body weight change and cardiovascular disease risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate correlation between body weight change and risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and selected cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged male during long-term surveillance. The study was conducted among group of healthy male volunteers (n=189) aged 30-49 years at baseline. Prevalence of disease due to cardiovascular causes was ascertained in study participants during an average follow-up of 17.7 +/- 4.4 years. Changes in weight were classified in three categories: stable weight (+/- 5 kg), weight gain (5 kg) or weight loss (5 kg). Logistic regression analysis was performed to study the correlation between weight change and Relative Risk (RR) of cardiovascular disease in the examined subjects. All analyses were adjusted for age, smoking and level of leisure-time physical activity. In this study 48.4% men maintained weight, 5.9% lowered weight and 45.7% gained weight. Ischaemic heart disease was diagnosed in 12.2% of men, including non fatal myocardial infarction in 5.3%, hypertension in 40.7%, and hyperchoesterolaemia in 62.4%, respectively. Among participants with weight gain of more than 5 kg total cardiovascular disease risk was 4 times higher (adjusted RR=4.07, 95% CI, 1.33-12.44), ischaemic heart disease 3 times higher (adjusted RR=3.27, 95% CI, 1.17-9.17), and hypercholesterolaemia 2 times higher (adjusted RR=2.15, 95% CI, 1.09-4.24) in comparison with those with stable weight. This study results suggests that maintaining stable weight during adulthood can be effective strategy for lowering cardiovascular disease risk.

The aim of this study was to describe the impact of chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hospitalisation due to this disease on quality-of-life (QOL) in community-dwelling elderly. The study was carried out in the three age- and gender-matched groups of older subjects: 100 elderly without CVD, 100 elderly with CVD and 100 patients actually hospitalised for the cardiologic reasons. The assessment included demographic and social variables, health status, nutritional state, physical activity (PA), physical and cognitive function. QOL was assessed with the Euroqol 5D questionnaire. Presence of CVD per se detracted from QOL only moderately, increasing the subjective perception of pain/discomfort. Hospitalisation was connected with the reduction of the majority of QOL dimensions and the decrease of rating on visual analogue scale (VAS). When taking into account all confounders the presence of CVD did not significantly contribute to overall QOL, while hospitalisation decreased the usual activity dimension of QOL and VAS, but interestingly, improved the perception of well-being in relation to anxiety/depression. Variables that most powerfully detracted from QOL were lower functional status, higher number of medications used, poor nutritional state, low habitual PA and above all, depression. These findings suggest that physical and cognitive function as well as regular PA may affect QOL more in community-dwelling elderly than the presence of CVD or even need of hospitalisation.

Background and aims: Health-related quality of life (QOL) is considered to be the key goal for health promotion in older people. The aim of this study was to describe the correlates of QOL in home-dwelling and institutionalized elderly. Methods: One hundred and fifty-two elderly residents of long-term care homes and 160 community-dwelling elderly participated in the study. Assessment included demographic and social variables, health status, nutritional state, physical and cognitive function. Physical activity (PA) was assessed by two PA questionnaires: the Seven Day Recall PA Questionnaire and the Stanford Usual Activity Questionnaire. QOL was assessed with the Euroqol 5D questionnaire. Results: Depression was the most powerful predictor of QOL in both community-dwelling and institutionalized elderly. Complaints associated with the musculoskeletal system in community-dwelling elders and manifestations of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases in institutionalized elders were the most important concomitant diseases. Regular participation in PA, preventing obesity and maintaining an adequate level of physical and cognitive function, contributed more to overall QOL in community-dwellers than in older and frailer institutionalized elderly adults. Conclusions: The relative contribution of functional and medical comorbidities, as well as health-promoting behaviors to QOL, may be different in community-dwelling and institutionalized elders. Physical and cognitive function deficits, overweight/obesity, and lack of regular PA are among primary predictors of decreased QOL in home-dwelling elders. In institutionalized subjects, these functional/behavioral data seem to be of lesser importance, the role of concomitant diseases becoming dominant.

Background: The aim of the study was to analyse the incidence of school accidents in relation to school size, urban/rural environment and conditions of physical education classes. Methods: 202 primary schools with nearly 50,000 students aged 7–15 years were studied during a 6-year period in the Wloclawek region in Poland. Results: There were in total 3274 school accidents per 293,000 student-years. Accidents during breaks (36.6%) and physical education (33.2%) were most common. Most frequently accidents took place at schoolyard (29.7%), gymnasium (20.2%), and in the corridor and stairs (25.2%). After adjustment for students' age and sex, student–staff ratio and duration of school hours, urban environment increased the probability of accident (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.14–1.38). Middle-size schools (8–23 classes) had similar accident rate as small schools (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.83–1.04), while schools with 24–32 classes (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10–1.43) and with ≥33 classes (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17–1.58) had increased accident rate. Presence of a gymnasium was also associated with increased probability of accident (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.38–1.61). Conclusions: Urban environment, larger school-size and equipment with full-size gymnasium are important and independent risk factors for school accidents. These findings provide some new insights into the epidemiology of school-related accidents and may be useful information for the planning of strategies to reduce accident incidence in schools.

Recent research data bring about sound scientific evidence on the importance of resistance training in health promotion and primary and secondary prevention of many diseases. This paper reviews the current scientific evidence and the most important recommendations on resistive training programming in healthy adults, elderly subjects and cardiac and pulmonary patients. An adequate resistance training appears to be an effective and safe method of improvement of muscle strength, enhancement of aerobic endurance (VO2max), beneficial modification of risk factors of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and increase in autonomy and well-being, especially in the elderly and cardiac and pulmonary patients. An appropriate preliminary examination, exercise programme and medical control increase the safety and long-term effectiveness of strength training.

Resume Propos. – La diminution de la production d’hormones anaboliques liee a l’âge est habituellement retenue comme l’une des etiologies de la fonte musculaire et du declin de la fonction musculaire observes lors du vieillissement. La survenue potentielle d’effets secondaires lors de traitements hormonaux substitutifs chez le sujet âge doit conduire a des strategies alternatives. Les modifications du statut hormonal liees a l’âge peuvent ainsi etre favorablement influencees par l’exercice. L’objectif de cette etude est : a) de confirmer les resultats d’un travail anterieur qui a mis en evidence l’existence de relations entre l’activite physique (AP) et la fonction musculaire (puissance maximale des quadriceps – Pmax) avec les concentrations hormonales en IGF-1 et DHEAS dans un groupe de femmes âgees en bonne sante ; en utilisant une nouvelle methode de mesure de la puissance musculaire plus adaptee aux sujets âges et b) de completer ces resultats en envisageant simultanement les relations entre l’activite physique, Pmax mais aussi l’aptitude cardiocirculatoire (VO2max) veritable reflet de la condition physique avec les concentrations en IGF-1, DHEAS et testosterone dans un groupe d’hommes et de femmes âges en bonne sante. Methodes. – Cinquante personnes âgees de 66 a 84 ans, independantes, vivant dans la communaute (25 hommes et 25 femmes) se sont portees volontaires pour participer a l’etude. L’activite physique a ete evaluee par un questionnaire et exprimee par deux index d’activite derives du questionnaire : la depense energetique quotidienne moyenne habituelle (DEQMH) et la depense energetique quotidienne correspondant aux activites de loisirs sportifs (activites sportives). VO2max a ete determinee lors d’une epreuve d’effort maximale sur tapis roulant. Pmax et la vitesse optimale de contraction correspondante (Vopt) ont ete mesurees par un ergometre de puissance recemment developpe, le sujet etant en position assise. Pmax a ete exprimee relativement a la masse corporelle (Pmax/kg) (Wkg–1) et par rapport a la masse des deux quadriceps (Pmax/quadr) (Wkg–1). Resultats. – Chez les femmes les concentrations en IGF-1 ont ete correlees significativement avec DEQMH (r = 0,54, p = 0,004), Pmax/kg (r = 0,54, p = 0,004) et Pmax/quadr (r = 0,46, p = 0,02). Des correlations significatives ont egalement ete observees entre les concentrations de DHEAS avec : DEQMH (r = 0,54, p = 0,004), les activites sportives (r = 0,65, p = 0,001), VO2max (r = 0,46, p = 0,02) Pmax/kg (r = 0,46, p = 0,02), et Pmax/quadr (r = 0,55, p = 0,004). Aucune correlation n’a ete retrouvee chez les hommes. Conclusion. – Ces resultats confirment que chez les femmes âgees en bonne sante, l’activite physique, l’aptitude cardio-circulatoire et la fonction musculaire des quadriceps sont liees de facon similaire aux concentrations circulantes de DHEAS et d’IGF-1, suggerant une influence favorable de l’exercice sur la production de ces hormones anaboliques.

SARCOPENIA: Aging is accompanied by the progressive reduction in cardio-pulmonary capacity and muscular strength. These two phenomena are partly related to the decrease in muscle mass, or sarcopenia. CARDIO-PULMONARY CAPACITY: Measured by maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), it demonstrates the individual's capacity for movement. It is also the principle marker of mortality due to cardiovascular events. VO2max decreases by around 0.8% each year, in close correlation with the evolution in muscle mass. These phenomena are partly related to reduced physical activity and, particularly, intense activity greater than 6 MET. Regular practice of moderately intense physical activity can maintain VO2max at a level 20 to 35% superior to that of the mean level in the same age range, and is associated with increased autonomic nervous system activity. DECREASED MUSCULAR STRENGTH: Sarcopenia and the proportional decrease in fast-twitch muscle fibers are related to a reduction in physical activity. The decrease in muscular strength is a handicapping factor and increases the risk of falls. Two sessions of training per week can increase by more than 30% the strength of the muscles concerned, by increasing the muscle volume and the maximum frequency of emission of motoneuron influx. The production of somatotropin, insulin-like growth factor-I and testosterone can also be increased. High-resistance exercises are themselves sufficient to increase bone density. In the light of these advantages, the practice of workouts in endurance and strength should be encouraged.

FREE RADICALS AND THE THEORY OF AGING: Severe oxidative stress progressively leads to cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between pro-oxidants and/or free radicals on the one hand, and anti-oxidizing systems on the other. The oxygen required for living may indirectly be responsible for negative effects; these deleterious effects are due to the production of free radicals, which are toxic for the cells (superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroperoxides and peroxinitrite anions). Free radical attacks are responsible for cell damage and the targeted cells are represented by the cell membranes, which are particularly rich in unsaturated fatty acids, sensitive to oxidation reactions; DNA is also the target of severe attacks by these reactive oxygen species (ROS).These are represented by the enzymes and free radical captors. The latter are readily oxidizable composites. The free radical captor or neutralization systems of these ROS use a collection of mechanisms, vitamins (E and C), enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathion peroxidase (GPx) and others], and glutathion reductase (GSH), capable of neutralizing peroxinitrite. The efficacy of this system is dependent on the genome for the enzymatic defence systems, and on nutrition for the vitamins. Some strategies aimed at reducing oxidative stress-related alterations have been performed in animals. However, only a few can be used and are efficient in humans, such as avoidance of unfavourable environmental conditions (radiation, dietary carcinogens, smoking...) and antioxidant dietary supplementation.Epidemiological data suggest that antioxidants may have a beneficial effect on many age-related diseases: atherosclerosis, cancer, some neurodegenerative and ocular diseases. However, the widespread use of supplements is hampered by several factors: the lack of prospective and controlled studies; insufficient knowledge on the pro-oxidant, oxidant and ant-oxidant properties of the various supplements; growing evidence that free radicals are not only by-products, but also play an important role in cell signal transduction, apoptosis and infection control.Although current data indicate that antioxidants cannot prolong maximal life span, the beneficial impact of antioxidants on various age-related degenerative diseases may forecast an improvement in life span and enhance quality of life. The current lack of sufficient data does not permit the systematic recommendation of anti-oxidants. Nevertheless, antioxidant-rich diets with fruit and vegetables should be recommended.

The relationship of quadriceps maximal muscle power (Pmax), corresponding optimal shortening velocity (v(opt)), and relative fatigability (Pmax%D) to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and habitual physical activity (PA) was examined in healthy community-dwelling subjects (29 women and 25 men) aged more than 65 years old. PA was evaluated by a questionnaire and expressed using two activity indices: mean habitual daily energy expenditure (MHDEE) and the daily energy expenditure corresponding to leisure time sports activities (Sports Activity). In women, Pmax correlated positively with VO2max (r = .56) and with Sports Activity (rho = .41). Both Sports Activity and Pmax were significant independent predictors of VO2max and accounted for 62% of variance in VO2max. In men, v(opt) was significantly negatively related to MHDEE (r = -.59) and to Sports Activity (rho = -.40). Neither in women nor in men was Pmax%D correlated with VO2max or PA indices. The different relationship of Pmax and v(opt) with VO2max and PA indices suggests that habitual PA may be sufficient in active older women, but not in men, to positively influence quadriceps muscle function. These gender differences may suggest different approaches in exercise programming for elderly women and men.

Purpose To analyze, both by a retrospective and prospective study design, the relationship of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and physical activity (PA) to upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) symptomatology in elderly subjects. Methods 61 (33 men and 28 women) healthy and weight-stable active elderly volunteers aged 66-84 yr participated in the study. PA was evaluated by a questionnaire QAPSE (Questionnaire d'Activite Physique Saint-Etienne) and expressed by two QAPSE activity indices: MHDEE (mean habitual daily energy expenditure) and sports activity (daily energy expenditure corresponding to leisure time sports activities). Log books for daily recording of URTI symptomatology were used in prospective design. Results In a 1-yr retrospective study a significant correlation was found between number of weeks with URTI per year and Sports activity index (r = -0.27, P = 0.037). In a prospective 12-month follow-up, the number of episodes per year and number of days with URTI per year were significantly negatively associated with sports activity index (r = -0.29, P = 0.022 and r = -0.26, P = 0.041, respectively). Conclusions In healthy active elderly subjects the symptomatology of URTI over long periods of time is inversly related to energy expenditure utilized during moderately intensive physical exercise.

To determine, both by a cross-sectional and longitudinal study design, the relationship of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and physical activity (PA) to blood lipids and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in a population of healthy and weight-stable elderly volunteers aged 66-84 yr.In a cross-sectional study in 52 subjects (23 men and 29 women), all independent variables (age, anthropometric, VO2max, and PA indices) were used in a multiple stepwise regression analysis to select variables influencing lipid and lipoprotein parameters. In a prospective nonintervention study, 38 subjects (17 men and 21 women) were reexamined after 6 months.In a cross-sectional study, sports activity index contributed significantly to total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C), TC/high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio variance in men, whereas VO2max accounted for 23% variance of apolipoprotein A-I in women. In a prospective study, there was no indication that any measured variable was correlated with absolute or relative changes in PA indices in the total group or when analyzed by gender.These data confirm that favorable relationship between PA/fitness and blood lipid profile is visible in elderly people but spontaneous changes in habitual PA are not a sufficient stimulus to alter serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in this population. Furthermore, there is no direct association between Lp(a) levels and PA, fitness, or body composition in the elderly men and women.

This paper describes the application of the inverse dynamic method developed by Bosco and colleagues for measuring the mechanical properties of knee extensor muscles under ballistic conditions. Twenty elderly men performed a series of maximal ballistic leg extensions at different loads. Accurate measurements of friction and inertial effects during the movement were used to calculate the torque and power produced during extension. The error of the results was 6.2–45.3% when the friction and inertial effects were neglected. The torque-angular velocity relationships were linear (r = 0.92 to 0.99, p < .001). The peak measurements obtained were in agreement with published isokinetic values. This new ergometer allows assessment of movements similar to those performed in day-to-day activities and can be used. without training, by elderly or disabled subjects.

The relationship of maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) of the quadriceps muscle and corresponding optimal shortening velocity (vopt) with age, habitual physical activity (PA) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were assessed in 37 healthy older [71.1 (SD 3.8) years] men and compared to those of 16 young [22.7 (SD 3.4) years] men. The PA was evaluated using a questionnaire. The Pmax and vopt were measured on a friction loaded non-isokinetic cycle ergometer. The Pmax was expressed relative to body mass - Pmax x kg(-1), and relative to the mass of the two quadriceps muscles - Pmax x kgquad(-1). The decline of Pmax x kg(-1) from youth to advanced age (8.3% per decade) was greater than the decrease in quadriceps muscle mass (3.8% per decade), in Pmax x kgquad(-1) (5.9% per decade) and in vopt (4.3% per decade). In the older men, a negative relationship of Pmax x kg(-1) (r = -0.33) and Pmax x kgquad(-1) (r = -0.44) with age was found. Ergometer measurements were not correlated with PA activity indices or VO2max, while VO2max was positively associated with PA. In a multiple stepwise regression analysis age was the only variable that contributed significantly to Pmax x kg(-1) and Pmax x kgquad(-1) variances. Our findings indicated that in these healthy elderly men, unlike the fall in VO2max, habitual PA did not attenuate the decline in Pmax of the quadriceps muscle with age. This finding was different from a previously described relationship in older women and would suggest sex differences in determining Pmax in healthy older subjects.

The purpose of this study was to validate a physical activity (PA) questionnaire, Questionnaire d'Activité Physique Saint-Etienne (QAPSE), in an homogenous population of elderly subjects and to estimate its potential for application in routine PA assessments in that age group. A group of 65 (31 men and 34 women) community dwelling, healthy people aged 65-84 years volunteered to participate in a validation substudy comparing maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and anthropometric data. VO2 max correlated positively with mean habitual daily energy expenditure (MHDEE) (r = 0.56, P0.0001), greater than 3MET (metabolic equivalent) daily energy expenditure (DEE) activity (r = 0.371, P = 0.002), leisure activity (r = 0.368, P = 0.003), sports activity (r = 0.461, P0.0001), basic daily activity (r = 0.325, P = 0.008) and moving DEE activity (r = 0.273, P = 0.028) in both sexes, with MHDEE (r = 0.366, P = 0.043) and moving DEE activity (r = 0.388, P = 0.031) in the men and with MHDEE (r = 0.624; P.0001), greater than 3MET DEE activity (r = 0.513, P = 0.002), leisure activity (r = 0.388, P = 0.024) and sports activity (r = 0.683, P0.001) in the women. The MHDEE was positively correlated with body mass (r = 0.464) and with fat free mass (r = 0.639) and negatively correlated with percentage body fat (r = -0.501). In a reproducibility sub-study (n = 44) a paired Student's t-test, based on mean differences between the two administrations of the questionnaire did not reach statistical significance for any of the QAPSE activity scores studied. Test-retest correlation coefficients ranged from 0.648 for moving score to 0.967 for MHDEE with correlation coefficient P values being less than 0.001 for all of the QAPSE activity scores. We concluded that QAPSE demonstrated excellent repeatability and good validity in relation to physical fitness and anthropometric data in the population of these healthy elderly volunteers.

Background The purpose of the study was to examine the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), cardiovascular biomarkers and atherosclerosis among asymptomatic men with stable LTPA level throughout the 25-year prospective observation. Methods Out of 101 asymptomatic men prospectively observed for their lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors, the cohort of 62 individuals (mean age 59.9 years) maintained a stable LTPA level during the 25-year observation. Regular check-ups with the assessment of traditional risk factors, detailed measurements of LTPA level and aerobic capacity were performed since baseline. At the latest follow-up (2011/12) a set of cardiovascular biomarkers was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by means of coronary artery calcification score and intima-media thickness (IMT). Endothelial function was evaluated by means of the reactive hyperemia index. The studied biomarkers and indices were analyzed in the three cohorts representing stable low-tomoderate (3840 kcal/week). Results At baseline the three cohorts were comparable in terms of age and clinical characteristics. At follow-up, the cohort with stable high LTPA (2050-3840 kcal/week) had significantly lower concentrations of hs-CRP (2.20 ± 1.0 mg/L), oxidized-LDL (68.35 ± 67.7 ng/mL), leptin (4.71 ± 3.07 ng/mL) and irisin (0.47 ± 0.13 μmol/L), and the most favorable indices of atherosclerosis and endothelial function as compared with other groups (p