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Purpose: The study compares moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) as evaluated by the Exercise Vital Signs (EVS) and Physical Activity Vital Signs (PAVS) questionnaires to accelerometry, and evaluates the reliability of the questionnaires in ethnically diverse adults. Methods: Ninety-nine participants (mean age 38.1 y; 49.5% women; Hispanics 43.8%; European American 18.8%; African American 14.6%) were included in the analyses. Participants wore an accelerometer at the hip for at least 7 days and completed the EVS and PAVS questionnaires at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the 7 days. Associations between the questionnaires and accelerometry were examined using Spearman rho. The reliability of the questionnaires was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient. Sensitivity and specificity were also calculated. Results: Weak positive correlations were observed between the accelerometer MVPA and the EVS MVPA at T2 (ρ =.263, P =.013), and the PAVS MVPA at T2 (ρ =.327, P =.003). The sensitivity of the EVS and PAVS was 73.2% and 82.6%, respectively. The specificity for each questionnaire was 35.3%. The reliability for the EVS questionnaire (intraclass correlation coefficient =.855; 95% CI,.791–.901; P <.001) was good, while the reliability of the PAVS questionnaire (intraclass correlation coefficient =.652; 95% CI,.511–.758; P <.001) was moderate. Conclusion: Caution should be used when utilizing the EVS and PAVS questionnaires in ethnically diverse adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tendo Unit (TU) and GymAware (GA) are the two most frequently used linear transducers for assessing muscle power in older adults via the sit-to-stand (STS) test. Unlike TU, GA incorporates a sensor mechanism to correct for non-vertical movements, which may lead to systematic differences between devices. The aim of this study therefore was to compare GA to TU for measuring STS power in community-dwelling older adults. Community-dwelling adults (n = 51, aged ≥65 years, 61% female) completed a single chair stand, with peak power measured simultaneously using GA and TU. Participants also completed the pneumatic leg press, 8-Foot Up and Go (TUG) test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and self-reported measures of physical function. Intraclass correlations (ICC) were used to assess agreement, and Pearson's correlations were used to assess correlations. The study protocol was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework. In alignment with our pre-registered hypothesis, peak power demonstrated an ICC of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.96). For secondary aims, both transducers showed a correlation greater than 0.8 compared to pneumatic leg press power. For physical performance outcomes, both TU and GA showed similar correlations, as hypothesized: SPPB (r = 0.29 for TU vs. 0.33 for GA), Chair Stands (r = −0.41 vs. -0.38), TUG Fast (r = −0.53 vs. -0.52), mobility questionnaire (r = 0.52 vs. 0.52) and physical function questionnaire (r = 0.44 vs. 0.43). GA and TU peak power showed a high degree of agreement and similar correlations with physical and self-reported performance measures, suggesting that both methods can be used for assessing STS power in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In contrast to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the D3-creatine (D3Cr) dilution method provides a direct measure of skeletal muscle mass and in a cohort of older men has been strongly associated with health-related outcomes. However, sensitivity to detect changes in D3Cr-derived muscle mass due to an intervention is limited. Methods Twenty-one older adults (≥70 years) with low-to-moderate physical function were randomized to a 15-week high-intensity strength training (ST) or a health education (HE) group. Full-body progressive intensity ST was performed 3 days per week. Results The mean age was 82.1 years, with 64% females. After 15 weeks, both D3Cr muscle mass (MM; 2.29 kg; 95% CI: 0.22, 4.36) and DXA appendicular lean mass (ALM; 1.04 kg; 95% CI: 0.31, 1.77) were greater in ST group compared to HE. Baseline correlations between D3Cr MM and DXA ALM (r  = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.92) or total lean body mass (LBM; r  = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.91) were high. However, longitudinal changes in D3Cr MM were weakly correlated with changes in DXA ALM (r  = 0.19; 95% CI: −0.35, 0.64) and LBM (r  = 0.40; 95% CI: −0.13, 0.76). More participants showed positive response rates, defined as a >5% increase from baseline, with D3Cr MM (80%) than DXA measures (14%–43%). Conclusions A progressive ST intervention in low-functioning older adults increased D3Cr MM and DXA ALM. These data suggest that the D3Cr dilution is potentially sensitive to detect changes in muscle mass in response to resistance exercise training. These results are preliminary and could be used for planning larger trials to replicate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strength training is widely recommended to improve strength, muscle mass and power. However, the feasibility and potential efficacy of strength training using lighter loads near failure on these outcomes in middle and older-aged adults remains unclear. 23 community-living adults were randomized into two groups: Traditional strength training (ST) (8–12 repetitions) or a lighter load, higher repetitions (LLHR) (20–24 repetitions) group. Participants performed a full-body workout (twice a week) with 8 exercises at a perceived exertion of 7–8 (0–10 scale) for 10 weeks. Post-testing was performed by an assessor blinded to group assignments. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine between group differences using baseline values as a covariate. The study involved individuals with a mean age of 59 years, of which 61 % were women. The LLHR group demonstrated a high attendance rate of 92 % (9.5 %) and reported leg press exercise RPE of 7.1 (0.53), along with a session feeling scale of 2.0 (1.7). There was a trivial difference in fat free mass (FFM) favoring LLHR vs ST [0.27 kg 95 % CI (−0.87, 1.42)]. The ST group exhibited superior increases in leg press 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength [−14 kg (−23, −5)], while the LLHR group showed greater strength endurance increases (65 % 1RM) [8 repetitions (2, 14)]. Leg press power [41 W (−42, 124)] and exercise efficacy [−3.8 (−21.2, 13.5)] demonstrated trivial between-group differences. A pragmatic, full-body strength training program with lighter loads taken close to failure appears to be a viable option for promoting muscular adaptations in middle- and older-aged adults. These results are exploratory and require a larger trial for confirmation. • Strength training with light loads near failure on muscle mass, strength, and power in middle-and older-aged adults is unclear. • A 10-week full-body training program with lighter loads near failure appears to be a viable option for promoting adaptations. • Results are exploratory and need a larger trial to confirm the efficacy of lighter load training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: A systematic review of experimental design studies published from 2000 to 2020 was conducted in order to identify if Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms are reduced by participation in physical activity modalities. METHODS: Six Databases were searched: Medline, Cinhal, Psychinfo, SportsDiscus, Pubmed, and Science Direct. The following Search Terms (or Combination) related were employed: Exercise AND OCD; Exercise AND Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Physical Activity AND Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Physical Activity AND OCD. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was implemented in order to examine and to report published studies. The inclusion criteria are: Participants include adults 18-years or older, clinically diagnosed with OCD; Independent Variable: Physical activity or an exercise regimen; Designs: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) or Repeated Measure Design (RMD); Only papers written in English were included. The Effect Size (d) is reported for evaluating continuous outcome, to ascertain the mathematical difference between baseline and post-treatment assessment or follow-up result was evaluated to determine the change in secondary outcomes. Study quality was evaluated using the Downs and Black Risk of Bias Checklist. RESULTS: Overall, 6 experimental design studies were identified; 3 out of 6 were RMD, and 3 out of 6 were RCT. The results of most of the reviewed studies show that exercise Intervention with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) achieved greater reduction of OCD symptoms at post-intervention, while also maintaining the reduction of OCD symptoms during multiple follow- ups ranging from 3-weeks to 1-year. The greatest effects of longer-term reduction in OCD symptoms were found at 12-weeks post-treatment with a combination of Exercise Modalities and CBT. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of Exercise Modality and CBT offer potential reduction of distressing signs and symptoms for OCD sufferers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Many cross-sectional studies have confirmed a link between gait speed and cognitive function. However, it is unknown whether cognitive function plays a role in the onset of major mobility disability (MMD) and if the effects are independent of physical function. This study examined cognitive and physical function as predictors of MMD across an average of 2.6 years of follow-up in community-dwelling older adults with compromised mobility. Research Design and Method Data were collected from 1,635 participants in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) study ages 70–89 years free of MMD at baseline. MMD was assessed every 6 months and defined as the inability to walk 400 m in ≤15 min without assistance or sitting. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline, 18 months, and 24 months using a cognitive battery categorized into four domains: global cognitive function, processing speed, verbal memory, and executive function. Results Across the study duration of 2.6 years, 536 participants (32.8%) developed MMD. Cox Proportional Hazard models indicated a protective relationship for higher baseline processing speed (Hazard Ratio [HR] per standard deviation: 0.86, p =.006), executive function (HR: 0.86, p =.002), and global cognition (HR: 0.85, p =.001) on incidence of MMD adjusted for demographics, intervention, and comorbidities. Results were not significant after adjustment for gait speed. In adjusted longitudinal models, a positive change in processing speed was significantly associated with reduced risk of MMD (HR: 0.52, p <.001) while other domains were not. Discussion and Implications In the LIFE study, processing speed at baseline and follow-up was a significant predictor of subsequent MMD although the observed association may be explained by physical function as reflected in gait speed. More studies are needed to understand how cognitive function, alone and in combination with physical function, influences risk of MMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]