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The use of nutritional ergogenic aids containing Eleutherococcus senticosus (ES), a plant which is also known as ciwujia or Siberian ginseng, is relatively common among endurance athletes. Eleutherococcus senticosus has been suggested to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) and fat metabolism (FAM) and, therefore, endurance performance (EP). This article reviews the studies that evaluated the effects of ES during endurance exercise, three of which suggest that ES substantially improves CF, FAM, and EP. However, each of these reports contains severe methodological flaws, which seriously threaten their internal validity, thereby rendering hazardous the generalization of the results. On the other hand, 5 studies that used rigorous research protocols show no benefit of ES on CF, FAM, and EP. It is therefore concluded that ES supplementation (up to 1000 to 1200 mg/d for 1 to 6 wk) offers no advantage during exercise ranging in duration from 6 to 120 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is characterized by physiological and morphological changes that affect body composition, strength, and function, ultimately leading to sarcopenia. This condition results in physical disability, falls, fractures, poor quality of life, and increased health care costs. Evidence suggests that increased consumption of dietary protein and physical activity levels, especially resistance exercise, can counteract the trajectory of sarcopenia. Canadian guidelines for protein intake and physical activity were last updated in 2005 and 2011, respectively, and new evidence on sarcopenia diagnosis, prevention, and treatment is rapidly evolving. Protein recommendations are set as "one-size-fits-all" for both young and older adults. Recent evidence demonstrates that current recommendations are insufficient to meet the minimum protein requirement to counteract muscle loss and to stimulate hypertrophy in healthy older adults. Beyond quantity, protein quality is also essential to benefit muscle anabolism in older adults. In terms of physical activity, resistance exercise training is a potential strategy to counteract age-related effects, as it can elicit muscle hypertrophic response in addition to increases in muscle strength and function in older adults. Canadian physical activity guidelines lack details on how this modality of training should be performed. Current guidelines for protein intake and physical activity do not reflect recent knowledge on sarcopenia prevention. The gap between guidelines and the latest evidence on the maintenance and promotion of older adult's health highlight the need for updated protein and physical activity recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homocysteine (Hcy) has been associated with several health problems, including reduced physical capacity. No study appears to have looked at the role of Hcy values longitudinally on physical capacity deterioration in older adults. The objective is to examine cross-sectional and prospective associations between Hcy values and frailty in the elderly and investigate Hcy potential association with the onset of frailty. 769 community-dwelling older adults from the MAPT study were recruited for this study. Total Hcy was measured at baseline. Frailty was evaluated at 5 different collection timepoints: baseline, 6-month, 1-, 2-, and 3-year using a frailty index (FI) composed of 19 items. Linear regressions adjusted for all the confounders (age, gender, educational level, MAPT group allocation and Omega-3) were performed to examine the cross-sectional associations of homocysteine values with the FI. A cox model was used to test the association of Hcy with the onset of frailty. Results : Mean Hcy values (15.9 ± 5.6 μmol\L) were obtained from 769 community-dwelling adults (75.7 ± 4.6 years old). After adjustments, a significant (β = 0.002, (00002–0.003)) and positive association between baseline Hcy values and FI was found (ß = 0.002). Additionally, higher values of Hcy were associated with a worsening of FI after 3 years (ß = 0.002, p = 0.003). A significant association between baseline Hcy values and the likelihood of developing frailty was discovered by incident event analysis (HR: 1.04 (1.01–1.06), p = 0.004). High levels of Hcy are associated with the fragility process in community-dwelling older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether aging alters changes in resting metabolic rate, body composition and insulin sensitivity in response to resistance training (RT) in women. The impact of a 6-month controlled RT program on fat-free mass (FFM), resting energy expenditure (REE), and glucose disposal was examined in 19 younger (27.8±3.5 yr; range 18–35) and 12 older (66.6±4.9 yr, range 55–70) non-obese caucasian women. For younger women, the RT program increased body weight (59.1±6.2 to 60.8±6.1 kg, p<0.05) due to an increase in FFM (39.2±3.7–40.4±3.2 kg, p<0.05). REE increased from 1379±114 to 1451±140 kcal day−1, p<0.0001), and glucose disposal (from 364.1±91.1 to 402.1±87.8 mg min−1, p<0.05). Neither fat mass nor V˙O2max changed significantly. On the other hand, older women lost fat mass (24.0±4.6–23.2±5.4 kg, p<0.05) and tended to gain FFM (from 37.3±4.0–38.0±4.3 kg, +1.9%; p=0.057), whereas no change occurred in body weight, REE, V˙O2max or glucose disposal. Thus, younger women showed greater metabolic changes in body composition, REE and insulin sensitivity in response to RT than older women. These results suggest an age-related alteration in metabolic changes in response to a 6-month RT program in previously untrained women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the interactive effect of Trp64Arg(beta3) and Glu[sup 12]/Glu[sup 9](alpha[sub 2b]) adrenoreceptor polymorphisms on energy metabolism and body composition in healthy women with a wide range of body habitus. Interaction effect of the variants on fat mass and percent fat; Physiological mechanism by which the variants may influence energy balance.

Weightlessness during spaceflight can harm various bodily systems, including bone density, muscle mass, strength and cognitive functions. Exercise appears to somewhat counteract these effects. A terrestrial model for this is head‐down bedrest (HDBR), simulating gravity loss. This mirrors challenges faced by older adults in extended bedrest and space environments. The first Canadian study, backed by the Canadian Space Agency, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Canadian Frailty Network, aims to explore these issues. The study seeks to: (1) scrutinize the impact of 14‐day HDBR on physiological, psychological and neurocognitive systems, and (2) assess the benefits of exercise during HDBR. Eight teams developed distinct protocols, harmonized in three videoconferences, at the McGill University Health Center. Over 26 days, 23 participants aged 55–65 underwent baseline measurements, 14 days of −6° HDBR, and 7 days of recovery. Half did prescribed exercise thrice daily combining resistance and endurance exercise for a total duration of 1 h. Assessments included demographics, cardiorespiratory fitness, bone health, body composition, quality of life, mental health, cognition, muscle health and biomarkers. This study has yielded some published outcomes, with more forthcoming. Findings will enrich our comprehension of HDBR effects, guiding future strategies for astronaut well‐being and aiding bedrest‐bound older adults. By outlining evidence‐based interventions, this research supports both space travellers and those enduring prolonged bedrest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about the use of antioxidant supplements and resistance exercise in older people.

Introduction: Head-down bed rest (HDBR) has long been used as an analog to microgravity, and it also enables studying the changes occurring with aging. Exercise is the most effective countermeasure for the deleterious effects of inactivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an exercise countermeasure in healthy older participants on attenuating musculoskeletal deconditioning, cardiovascular fitness level, and muscle strength during 14 days of HDBR as part of the standard measures of the Canadian Space Agency. Methods: Twenty-three participants (12 males and 11 females), aged 55–65 years, were admitted for a 26-day inpatient stay at the McGill University Health Centre. After 5 days of baseline assessment tests, they underwent 14 days of continuous HDBR followed by 7 days of recovery with repeated tests. Participants were randomized to passive physiotherapy or an exercise countermeasure during the HDBR period consisting of 3 sessions per day of either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or low-intensity cycling or strength exercises for the lower and upper body. Peak aerobic power (V̇O2peak) was determined using indirect calorimetry. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and several muscle group strengths were evaluated using an adjustable chair dynamometer. A vertical jump was used to assess whole-body power output, and a tilt test was used to measure cardiovascular and orthostatic challenges. Additionally, changes in various blood parameters were measured as well as the effects of exercise countermeasure on these measurements. Results: There were no differences at baseline in main characteristics between the control and exercise groups. The exercise group maintained V̇O2peak levels similar to baseline, whereas it decreased in the control group following 14 days of HDBR. Body weight significantly decreased in both groups. Total and leg lean masses decreased in both groups. However, total body fat mass decreased only in the exercise group. Isometric and isokinetic knee extension muscle strength were significantly reduced in both groups. Peak velocity, flight height, and flight time were significantly reduced in both groups with HDBR. Conclusion: In this first Canadian HDBR study in older adults, an exercise countermeasure helped maintain aerobic fitness and lean body mass without affecting the reduction of knee extension strength. However, it was ineffective in protecting against orthostatic intolerance. These results support HIIT as a promising approach to preserve astronaut health and functioning during space missions, and to prevent deconditioning as a result of hospitalization in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oral β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation (3 g/d) on selected components of aerobic performance and body composition of active college students. Subjects were randomly assigned to either an HMB (n = 8) or a placebo (PLA) group (n = 8) for a 5-wk supplementation period during which they underwent interval training 3 times a week on a treadmill. Aerobic-performance components were measured using a respiratory-gas analyzer. Body composition was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After the intervention, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between the 2 groups in gains in maximal oxygen consumption (+8.4% for PLA and +15.5% for HMB) and in respiratory-compensation point (+8.6% for PLA and +13.4% for HMB). Regarding body composition, there were no significant differences. The authors concluded that HMB supplementation positively affects selected components of aerobic performance in active college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aerobic training has some benefits for delaying the onset or progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Little is known about the implication of the brain's two main fuels, glucose and ketones (acetoacetate), associated with thesebenefits.Objective: To determine whether aerobic exercise training modifies brain energy metabolism in mild AD.Methods: In this uncontrolled study, ten patients with mild AD participated in a 3-month, individualized, moderate-intensity aerobic training on a treadmill (Walking). Quantitative measurement of brain uptake of glucose (CMRglu) and acetoacetate (CMRacac) using neuroimaging and cognitive testing were done before and after the Walking program.Results: Four men and six women with an average global cognitive score (MMSE) of 26/30 and an average age of 73 y completed the Walking program. Average total distance and treadmill speed were 8 km/week and 4 km/h, respectively. Compared to the Baseline, after Walking, CMRacac was three-fold higher (0.6±0.4 versus 0.2±0.1 μmol/100 g/min; p = 0.01). Plasma acetoacetate concentration and the blood-to-brain acetoacetate influx rate constant were also increased by 2-3-fold (all p≤0.03). CMRglu was unchanged after Walking (28.0±0.1 μmol/100 g/min; p = 0.96). There was a tendency toward improvement in the Stroop-color naming test (-10% completion time, p = 0.06). Performance on the Trail Making A&B tests was also directly related to plasma acetoacetate and CMRacac (all p≤0.01).Conclusion: In mild AD, aerobic training improved brain energy metabolism by increasing ketone uptake and utilization while maintaining brain glucose uptake, and could potentially be associated with some cognitive improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During later life sleep depth (slow-wave sleep, SWS) and maintenance exhibit deleterious changes, with possible negative effects on daytime function. This study assessed the effect of chronic, supervised exercise on sleep using laboratory-based polysomnography (PSG) and repeated measures in older adults. Thirteen men aged 64 ± 3 served as their own controls and had their sleep measured for a total of 6 nights: 3 before and 3 after the 16-week training intervention. Each sequence involved 1 familiarization trial followed by 2 experimental nights (exercise night; nonexercise night) measured using 13-channel PSG (combined electroencephalography, electromyography, and electro-oculography). The exercise challenges consisted of inclined treadmill brisk walking (60 min, 68–69% V ˙ O 2 peak ). The intervention successfully improved some parameters of aerobic fitness, i.e. ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2 ( P < 0.05). Acute exercise triggered increases in circulating free fatty acids and lactate levels both at baseline and after the intervention ( P < 0.05). Noteworthy, acute exercise following training resulted in a 71% increase in SWS during subsequent sleep in comparison with the nonexercise condition before training, respectively 2.4% and 1.4% ( P < 0.05). Following training, acute exercise reduced total wake time by 30% and REM onset latency by 14% ( P < 0.05). Acute exercise improved sleep continuity by decreasing total wake time. These results show that aerobic training could increase sleep depth and continuity, during active days, in elderly men. In habitual exercisers, these effects of aerobic exercise on sleep, although modest, might counteract those resulting from aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is associated with noticeable impairments in brain serotonin transmission, which might contribute to increased vulnerability to developing depression in later life. Animal and human studies have shown that aerobic exercise can stimulate brain serotonin activity and trigger parallel elevations in tryptophan (TRP, the serotonin precursor) availability in blood plasma. However, the influence of chronic exercise on serotonergic activity in older adults is not yet known. Sixteen men aged 64 ± 3 years exercised for 1 h (67%-70% peak oxygen consumption) at baseline and following 16 weeks of aerobic training. The main outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), TRP, prolactin, lactate, and free fatty acids (FFA). Changes in plasma free-TRP/BCAA and prolactin served as surrogates for TRP availability and serotonin activity, respectively. Chronic exercise decreased body mass ( P < 0.05) whilst it increased ventilatory threshold 2 ( P < 0.01). Although training did not affect plasma TRP availability to the brain at rest, both pre- and post-training exercise challenges markedly increased TRP availability ( P < 0.001). The free-TRP/BCAA values reached a ceiling during exercise that was lower following training ( P < 0.05), whereas similar patterns were found for prolactin, lactate, and FFA. These data show that aerobic exercise elicits consistent transient elevations in plasma TRP availability to the brain in older men; the elevations were independent from physical training, although less pronounced following training. The data support the contention that repeated elevations in brain serotonin activity might be involved in the antidepressant effect of exercise training in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Contribute evidence towards the complex interrelationships of body composition, physical performance and physical activity (PA) in an older population to assist in decisions for maintaining functional capacity in older adults. Design: This is a cross-sectional analysis of an existing dataset in which a literature-supported model linking together the variables of interest is tested using path analysis. A proposed model with age, sex, energy intake and chronic diseases as predictors associated with body composition components, while the latter associated with physical performance and with PA acting both as a predictor and as an outcome of physical performance. Participants: A sample of 847, community dwellers, non-diabetic older men and women from the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge Study). Measurements: Physical performance tests were reduced to two indices: strength and mobility. Muscle mass index (MMI; kg/height2) and % body fat were derived from DXA and bioimpedance analysis (BIA). PA was assessed by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and energy intakes were calculated from 24-hour food recalls. Data from the NuAge dataset served to test the relationships. The proposed model was evaluated using indices of fit. Results: Significant associations were found for MMI and % body fat with mobility (β −0.11 and −0.02, respectively), and for MMI with strength (β=0.60). PA was associated with MMI (β=0.02) and negatively with % body fat (β=−0.16), while mobility associated with PA (β=0.65). Our hypothesized model, with some paths added, fit the data: chi-square=4.64, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0. Conclusions: PA has desirable associations with body composition in older adults and mobility is associated with PA. These results stress the importance of taking into account the prior level of mobility when recommending PA for this age group. This model could explain in part the complex interrelationships that occur with aging and the potential factors that could be targeted to assist older individuals in maintaining functional capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Diabetic older adults are at a higher risk of muscle strength (MS) decline than their non-diabetic counterparts. Adequate protein and energy intakes and physical activity (PA) may preserve MS during aging. However, the role of diet quality (DQ) in MS maintenance is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the association between DQ – alone or combined with PA – and changes in MS over 3years in diabetic participants aged 67 to 84years at recruitment in a secondary analysis of the longitudinal observational NuAge study. Changes in handgrip, knee extensor and elbow flexor strengths were calculated as the difference between recruitment (T1) and after 3years (T4) in 156 diabetic older adults. Baseline DQ was calculated from 3 non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls collected at T1 using the validated Canadian Healthy Eating Index (C-HEI). Change in PA was calculated from Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) as PASE T4−PASE T1. Four combinations of variables were created: C-HEI<70 with PASE change either < or > median and C-HEI≥70 with PASE change either < or > median. The association between these four categories and MS maintenance was evaluated using General Linear Modeling (GLM). Analyses were stratified by sex and controlled for covariates. Baseline DQ alone was not associated with MS maintenance. Baseline DQ combined with PASE change showed associations with crude and baseline adjusted handgrip strength (p=0.031, p=0.018) and crude and baseline adjusted elbow flexor change (p=0.028, p=0.017) in males only; no significant results were found for knee extensor strength in either males or females. While findings for females were inconclusive, results demonstrate that better adherence to dietary guidelines combined with a more active lifestyle may prevent MS decline among diabetic older males. Additional research is needed on a larger sample since generalization of these results is limited by the small sample size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine an optimal cut-off point of skeletal muscle mass, using appendicular lean body mass (LBM) index, that identifies at risk individuals with deteriorated insulin sensitivity, using an established quantitative insulin sensitivity index (QUICKI) cut-off. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis in 231 lean and obese (BMI: 18.7–51.0kg/m2) menopausal women. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin were obtained to calculate QUICKI as an index of insulin sensitivity. Skeletal muscle mass was measured as appendicular LBM by DXA and expressed as appendicular LBM index [appendicular LBM (kg)/height (m2)]. Cut-offs were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Results: The best cut-off value for skeletal muscle mass index to identify menopausal women with reduced insulin sensitivity was 7.025kg/m2 which had a sensitivity of 69.5% and specificity of 58.2%. Conclusion: Our results suggest that sedentary postmenopausal women with an appendicular skeletal muscle mass index above 7.025kg/m2 may be at greater risk of insulin resistance. Prospective studies are needed to validate our result. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses research which was conducted to investigate whether tryptophan availability to the brain is increased during prolonged exercise in older men. Researchers evaluated 19 male subjects who were between the ages of 64-67 and completed a one hour treadmill exercise. They found that sustained exercise led to significant elevations of tryptophan in older men. They concluded that their research results provided support to the hypothesis that increases in serotonin synthesis and activity might be involved in the antidepressant effect of exercise in the elderly.

Abstract: Whether frail elderly subjects are more insulin resistant (IR) than non-frail is unclear. How obesity, muscle mass, inflammation, hormonal and lipid status, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity and physical activity influences insulin sensitivity (IS) in frail elderly subjects remains uncertain. We determined (1) whether frail elderly persons are more IR than non-frail elderly and (2) the influence of abdominal fat mass (AFM), muscle mass index (MMI), inflammation (CRP), hormonal (cortisol, free IGF-1, DHEA) and lipid (FFA, triglyceride (TG)) status, oxidative stress (paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), malondialdehyde (MDA)), antioxidant capacity (vitamin C, E) and physical activity (PASE questionnaire) on IS (QUICKI) in 16 frail obese (FO), 17 frail lean (FL) and 21 healthy, non-obese (HN) elderly subjects. IS was lower in FO than FL, but there was no significant difference between HN and FO or FL. There were no significant differences among groups for CRP, cortisol, IGF-1, DHEA, FFA, TG, PON-1, MDA, vitamin C and E and PASE. Age, AFM and MMI significantly correlated with IS. Only AFM and MMI were significant predictors explaining, respectively, 18.5% and 8.5% of the variance in IS. Increased abdominal obesity is associated with IR in frail elderly. Non-obese frail persons are not more IR than their healthy counterparts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Aging is associated with increases in fat mass (FM) and decreases in fat-free mass (FFM) that may affect physical capacity. However, it is not clear whether high FM or low FFM contribute more to a reduction in physical capacity. Methods. A structural equation modeling strategy was used to test an explanatory model of the association between body composition and physical capacity. The concept of physical capacity was assessed by walking speed at a normal pace and the one leg stand test. To test the model, 904 men and women between 67 and 84 years old were studied. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Confounding factors related to body composition and physical capacities were included in the explanatory model (physical activity level, age, gender, and number of reported diseases). Results. The final model showed that physical capacity can be represented by a factorial first-order model including generic measures of walking speed and balance. Moreover, our results showed that percentage of FM was significantly associated with physical capacity (p < .01), whereas no such association was observed with FFM. Other variables such as physical activity level, number of self-reported diseases, and age were associated with physical capacity (all p < .01). Overall, the proposed model explained 48% and 57% of the variance observed in men and women when using the one leg stand and the walking speed at normal pace tests as measures of physical capacity. Conclusion. FM was significantly and inversely correlated with physical capacity, whereas FFM was not associated when controlled for other potential confounding variables. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of different levels of obesity on physical capacity in older individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We wish to thank Lee et al for their response to our recent letter to the editor, as well as the editors for allowing us to reply. Bearing in mind this key distinction, we would be very interested to see the OR of progressing to an unhealthy phenotype with increasing quartiles of skeletal muscle mass (in kg/m SP 2 sp ). Min Jung Lee, Eun-Hee Kim, Sung-Jin Bae, Jaewon Choe, Chang Hee Jung, Woo Je Lee, Hong-Kyu Kim. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: We examined the hypothesis that an age-related increase in the compartments of visceral fat would account, in part, for the deleterious changes in insulin sensitivity and blood lipid profile in nonobese women.Research Design and Methods: We directly assessed visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue areas (computed tomography), glucose disposal (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp), body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), blood-lipid profile, and aerobic fitness (VO2max) in 178 nonobese women categorized into four age groups: group 1, 28 +/- 4 years, n = 88; group 2, 46 +/- 2 years, n = 38; group 3, 53 +/- 2 years, n = 31; and group 4. 67 +/- 6 years, n = 21.Results: Visceral abdominal adipose tissue area increased with age (2.36 cm2 per year, P < 0.0001). We noted an age-related increase in total cholesterol (P < 0.0003), triglycerides (P < 0.0009), LDL cholesterol (P < 0.027), and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol (P < 0.042). However, age-related changes in insulin sensitivity exhibited a different age-related pattern. That is, insulin sensitivity, expressed on an absolute basis or indexed per kilogram of fat-free mass, was lowest in group 4 but was not significantly different among groups 1, 2, and 3. After statistical control for visceral fat, lower insulin sensitivity persisted in group 4, although differences were diminished relative to other groups. However, the effect of visceral fat on age-related changes in the blood-lipid profile was stronger. That is, differences in visceral and deep subcutaneous adipose tissue area abolished age-related differences in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol. No independent effects of VO2max or leisure-time physical activity on age-related changes in insulin sensitivity or on the blood-lipid profile were noted.Conclusions: We conclude that 1) visceral fat shows an increase with advancing age, whereas a decrease in insulin sensitivity was noted only in older women; 2) age-related differences in visceral fat explain only a modest part of the decline in insulin sensitivity in nonobese women; and 3) unfavorable changes in plasma lipids were strongly associated with the age-related increase in visceral abdominal adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decrease in resting energy expenditure (REE) and fat oxidation with aging is associated with an increase in fat mass (FM), and both could be prevented by exercise such as resistance training. Dairy consumption has also been shown to promote FM loss in different subpopulations and to be positively associated with fat oxidation. Therefore, we sought to determine whether resistance exercise combined with dairy supplementation could have an additive impact on FM and energy metabolism, especially in individuals with a deficit in muscle mass. Twenty-six older overweight sarcopenic men (65 ± 5 years old) were recruited for the study. They participated in 4 months of resistance exercise and were randomized into three groups for postexercise shakes (control, dairy, and nondairy isocaloric and isoprotein supplement with 375 ml and ~280 calories per shake). Body composition was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry and REE by indirect calorimetry. Fasting glucose, insulin, leptin, inflammatory profile, and blood lipid profile were also measured. Significant decreases were observed with FM only in the dairy supplement group; no changes were observed for any other variables. To conclude, FM may decrease without changes in metabolic parameters during resistance training and dairy supplementation with no caloric restriction without having any impact on metabolic properties. More studies are warranted to explain this significant decrease in FM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menopause transition is associated with detrimental changes in physical activity, body composition, and metabolic profile. Although physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, the association is unknown in low-risk individuals. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between PAEE and MetS (prevalence and severity) in inactive overweight or obese postmenopausal women with a low Framingham Risk Score (<10%). Cross-sectional data of 126 participants were divided into quartiles based on PAEE (Quartile (Q)1 = lowest PAEE) while fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. MetS prevalence was significantly different between Q1 and Q4 (37.9% vs 13.3%, p = 0.03). After controlling for potential confounders, MetS severity was negatively associated with PAEE (B = −0.057, p < 0.01) and positively with FFM (B = 0.038, p < 0.001). Moderation analyses indicated that a greater FFM exacerbated the association between PAEE and MetS severity in Q1 and Q2 (PAEE × FFM; B = −0.004; p = 0.1). Our results suggest that displaying a low FRS and lower PAEE increase MetS prevalence and severity. In addition, greater FFM interacts with lower PAEE to worsens MetS severity, while higher PAEE lessened this effect. Novelty: Inactive individuals displaying higher daily PAEE also have a lower MetS prevalence. Greater FFM is associated with a worse MetS severity where a higher PAEE mitigated this deleterious effect in our cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors determined, through a meta-analytic approach, whether glycerol-induced hyperhydration (GIH) enhances fluid retention and increases endurance performance (EP) significantly more than water-induced hyperhydration (WIH). Collectively, studies administered 23.9 ± 2.7 mL of fluid/kg body weight (BW) with 1.1 ± 0.2 g glycerol/kg BW, and hyperhydration was measured 136 ± 15 min after its onset. Compared with WIH, GIH increased fluid retention by 7.7 ± 2.8 mL/kg BW (P < 0.01; pooled effect size [PES]: 1.64 ± 0.80, P < 0.01, N = 14). The use of GIH was associated with an improvement in EP of 2.62% ± 1.60% (P = 0.047; PES: 0.35 ± 0.13, P = 0.014, N = 4). Unarguably, GIH significantly enhances fluid retention better than WIH. Because of the dearth of data, the effect of GIH on EP must be further investigated before more definitive conclusions can be drawn as to its ergogenic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to determine (i) whether a 5-day aerobic exercise (AE) program combined with a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplement would increase the plasma ketone response in older women more than either intervention alone and (ii) whether ketonemia after these combined or separate treatments was alike in normoglycemic (NG) and prediabetic (PD) women. Older women (NG, n = 10; PD, n = 9) underwent a 4-h metabolic study after each of 4 different treatments: (i) no treatment (control), (ii) 5 days of MCT alone (30 g·day−1), (iii) 1 session of 30 min of AE alone, and (iv) 5 days of MCT and AE combined (MCT+AE). Blood was sampled every 30 min over 4 h for analysis. In NG, MCT+AE induced the highest area under the curve (AUC) for plasma ketones (835 ± 341 μmol·h·L−1); this value was 69% higher than that observed with MCT alone (P < 0.05). AUCs were not different between MCT alone and MCT+AE in PD, but both treatments induced a significantly higher AUC than the control or AE alone (P < 0.05). Although there was a trend towards a higher ketone AUC in NG versus PD with AE alone (P = 0.091), there was no significant difference between the ketone AUCs in PD and NG. In conclusion, MCT+AE was more ketogenic in older women than MCT or AE alone. MCT+AE had a synergistic effect on ketonemia in NG but not in PD. Whether improving insulin sensitivity with a longer term AE intervention can improve the ketogenic effect of MCT in PD and thereby increase brain ketone uptake in older people merits further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socioeconomic inequalities in health persist despite major investments in illness prevention campaigns and universal healthcare systems. In this context, the increased risks of chronic diseases of specific sub-groups of vulnerable populations should be further investigated. The objective of this qualitative study is to examine the interaction between socioeconomic status ( SES) and body weight in order to understand underprivileged women's increased vulnerability to chronic diseases after menopause. By drawing specifically on Pierre Bourdieu's sociocultural theory of practice, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted from May to December of 2013 to investigate the health practices of clinically overweight, postmenopausal women living an underprivileged life in Canada. Findings emphasise that poor life conditions undermine personal investment in preventive health and weight loss, showing the importance for policy makers to bring stronger consideration on upstream determinants of health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess weight and menopause are two major factors increasing aging women’s vulnerability to chronic diseases. However, social position and socioeconomic status have also been identified as major determinants influencing both health behaviors and the development of such diseases. This study focuses on the socioeconomic variations of behavioral risk factors of chronic diseases in aging women. By drawing on Bourdieu’s sociocultural theory of practice, 40 semistructured interviews were conducted to investigate preventive health practices of clinically overweight, postmenopausal women from contrasting socioeconomic classes living in Canada. Findings emphasize class-based differences with respect to long-term health and preventive practices according to three major themes: priority to long-term time horizons, attention given to risk factors of diseases, and control over future health. Health care providers should strive to work in concert with all subgroups of women to better understand their values, worldviews, and needs to decrease health inequalities after menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to (1) describe participation in four physical activity (PA) domains across life and (2) examine the influence of PA during adolescence, early, middle, and later adulthood on health variables at older age. This observational study was conducted in 1378 generally healthy older adults (age 67-84 at baseline in 2003-2005; 52% women) in Quebec, Canada. Using a modified version of the interviewer-administered Lifetime Total Physical Activity Questionnaire (LTPAQ) and life events calendar to facilitate the recall, participants reported the frequency, duration, and intensity of occupational (OPA), commuting (CPA), household (HPA), and leisure time (LTPA) they participated in at age 15, 25, 45, and 65, and at the first follow-up (age 68-85 in 2005-2006). Fat mass, lean body mass, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, self-reported chronic diseases, and socio-demographic data were assessed at baseline. Changes in PA over time differed by sex in each domain. However, there was a general decline in all PA domains in both sexes after age 65. In multiple regression analyses, LTPA at first-follow-up was associated with more favourable waist-to-hip ratio in both sexes, fat mass in women and fat mass percentage in men, whereas CPA, OPA, and HPA across life were not consistently associated with health variables. Older adults' LTPA at first follow-up was related to health variables, but PA recalled during adolescence, early adulthood, and mid-life was not. Results support the idea that current PA is positively related to better health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Study context: Determining whether C-reactive protein (CRP), blood lipids, total and trunk fat mass (FM), and waist circumference (WC) are associated with changes in physical capacity over 3 years (Δ) in elderly. Methods: One hundred twenty-two men and women 68–83 years of age participated in a 3-year follow-up study. Physical capacity was measured using five objective tests: (1) Timed Up and Go (TUG), (2) chair stand (CS), (3) normal walking speed (NWS), (4) fast walking speed (FWS), and (5) one-leg stand (LS), along with physical performance score (PPS) at baseline (T1) and 3 years later (T4). Total and trunk FM, WC, blood lipids, and CRP measured at baseline, were considered as potential predictors. Results: At baseline, CRP and total FM were significantly correlated with all physical capacity tests, whereas trunk FM was correlated with CS and LS, and blood lipids only with FSW. No significant correlation was observed for WC. Total and trunk FM measured at baseline were correlated with ΔTUG and ΔPPS, whereas trunk FM and WC measured at baseline were correlated with ΔNWS. CRP and blood lipids, measured at baseline, were not associated with any changes over 3 years. At the end, WC measured at baseline was the strongest independent predictor for all physical capacity measures at baseline (T1), and ΔPPS measured over 3 years could be predicted by baseline WC. Conclusion: FM distribution seems more useful to determine physical capacity than inflammation. Interestingly, over a short follow-up of 3 years, WC significantly predicted changes in a composite score of physical activity. More studies are needed to elucidate factors that may influence physical capacity decline over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In class II and III obese individuals, lifestyle intervention is the first step to achieve weight loss and treat obesity-related comorbidities before considering bariatric surgery. A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression were performed to assess the impact of lifestyle interventions incorporating a physical activity (PA) component on health outcomes of class II and III obese individuals. Methods: An electronic search was conducted in 4 databases (Medline, Scopus, CINAHL and Sportdiscus). Two independent investigators selected original studies assessing the impact of lifestyle interventions with PA components on anthropometric parameters, cardiometabolic risk factors (fat mass, blood pressure, lipid and glucose metabolism), behaviour modification (PA and nutritional changes), and quality of life in adults with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2. Estimates were pooled using a random-effect model (DerSimonian and Laird method). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by the Cochran’s chi-square test and quantified through an estimation of the I². Results: Of the 3,170 identified articles, 56 met our eligibility criteria, with a large majority of uncontrolled studies (80%). The meta-analysis based on uncontrolled studies showed significant heterogeneity among all included studies. The pooled mean difference in weight loss was 8.9 kg (95% CI, 10.2–7.7; p < 0.01) and 2.8 kg/m² in BMI loss (95% CI, 3.4–2.2; p < 0.01). Long-term interventions produced superior weight loss (11.3 kg) compared to short-term (7.2 kg) and intermediate-term (8.0 kg) interventions. A significant global effect of lifestyle intervention on fat mass, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides and fasting insulin was found (p<0.01), without significant effect on HDL-C and fasting blood glucose. Conclusions: Lifestyle interventions incorporating a PA component can improve weight and various cardiometabolic risk factors in class II and III obese individuals. However, further high quality trials are needed to confirm this evidence, especially beyond weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To compare the effect of rapid or slow weight loss (WL) on body composition and metabolic risk factors following a caloric restriction. Ten obese, postmenopausal women were matched for total body WL. Dependent variables were: body composition, lipid profile and blood pressure. Both groups decreased obesity measures (all P ⩽0.05) while lean body mass decreased in the rapid WL group (P ⩽0.05). Significant improvements in fasting triglyceride level and diastolic blood pressure were observed only in the slow WL group. A slower WL seems to be more beneficial to improve body composition as well as metabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. Subcutaneous fat (ScF) and visceral fat (VF) measurements using CT scan are expensive and may imply significant radiation doses. Cross-sectional studies using CT scan showed that ScF and VF are significantly correlated with abdominal fat measured by DXA (AF-DXA). The association has not been studied after a weight loss. Objective. To determine (1) the associations between AF-DXA and ScF and VF before and after weight loss and (2) the associations between their changes. Methods. 137 overweight/obese postmenopausal women were divided in two groups (1-caloric restriction or 2-caloric restriction + resistance training). AF was assessed using DXA and CT scan. Results. Correlations between AF-DXA and ScF (before: r = 0.87, after; r = 0.87; P < .01) and, AF-DXA and VF (before: r = 0.61, after; r = 0.69; P < .01) are not different before and after the weight loss. Correlations between delta AF-DXA and delta ScF (r = 0.72; P < .01) or delta VF (r = 0.51; P < .01) were found. Conclusion. The use of AF-DXA as a surrogate for VF after weight loss is questionable, but may be interesting for ScF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on one study which attempts to confront the challenge of predicting total energy expenditure (TEE) in elders. 17 elders aging 60-78 years and in good health were recruited for the study. Their body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR) and metabolic cost of activities were considered after undergoing an overnight fast. They were also asked to undergo urine analysis, use accelerometer and take an oral dose of doubly labeled water for research purposes. After data analysis, it was suggested that TEE may be estimated with good accuracy using fat-free mass, the cost of standing still and the cost of walking at three kilometers per hour.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of resistance training on hematological blood markers in older individuals. Twenty-nine men and women participated to this study. Subjects were randomized in 2 groups: (1) control (n = 13) and (2) resistance training (n = 16). At baseline and after the intervention, subjects were submitted to a blood sample to determine their hematological profile (red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width). At baseline, no difference was observed between groups. Moreover, we found no significant difference after the intervention on any of these markers. A 6-month resistance program in healthy older individuals seems to have no beneficial nor deleterious effects on hematological blood parameters. However, resistance training was well tolerated and should be recommended for other health purposes. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in a large population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate whether 6 months of isoflavone supplementation, which has been shown to be sufficient to improve menopausal symptoms, could also improve clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese postmenopausal women, compared with a placebo. Methods: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in which 50 obese postmenopausal women were divided into two groups (isoflavones vs. placebo) to examine the effect of 6 months of isoflavone supplement (70 mg) on clinical CVD risk factors. Body composition (DXA), medical and social characteristics, daily energy expenditure (accelerometry), dietary intake (3-day dietary record), and blood biochemical analyses (lipid profile, insulin, glucose) were obtained. Results: At baseline, no differences were found between groups except for fasting insulin level. Women were thus considered at risk of CVD based on body composition but not biochemical variables. After 6 months, we observed that isoflavones did not favorably affect risk factors predisposing to CVD (biochemical or body composition) compared with placebo. Conclusions: Isoflavones given for 6 months should not be considered protective against clinical CVD risk factors in obese postmenopausal women. Nevertheless, further research is needed to verify if isoflavones protect against CVD disease risk factors when administered for a longer duration or when combined with nutritional or exercise interventions. It would also be pertinent to study their effects in women with specific metabolic abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 25% of weight lost during restrictive diets (without exercise) is lean body mass (LBM). No study has yet investigated the impact of the rate of weight loss (RWL) on LBM and fat mass (FM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the RWL and body composition in older obese women. Twenty obese postmenopausal women aged between 51 and 74 years enrolled in a 5 week dietary weight loss intervention. Subjects were characterized according to their RWL (low RWL < 0.74 kg·week-1 (n = 9) vs. high RWL >= 0.74 kg·week-1 (n = 11)). Total and trunk FM and LBM (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were measured before and after weight loss. A significant correlation was observed between the RWL (kg·week-1) and changes in LBM (kg·week-1) (r = 0.75; p = 0.0002). However, no association was observed with changes in FM (kg·week-1) (r = 0.40; p = 0.08). Both groups showed a similar decrease in FM (low RWL, -2.7 ± 0.9 kg,; high RWL, -3.2 ± 0.8 kg; p = 0.38), whereas losses in LBM were significantly higher in the high RWL than in the low RWL group (-1.6 ± 1.2 kg vs. -0.4 ± 1.1 kg; p = 0.05). An RWL > 0.74 kg·week-1 was associated with a greater loss of LBM, but had no extra benefits on FM after a 5 week weight loss program. Current guidelines, which recommend RWL up to 0.91 kg·week-1, might not be optimal to prevent decreases in LBM in postmenopausal women when no exercise is added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin plays a pivotal role in skeletal muscle protein metabolism and its action decreases with age. A loss of muscle mass, termed sarcopenia, also occurs with age. The age-associated decline in insulin sensitivity (IS) may negatively alter muscle protein metabolism and, therefore, be implicated in the aetiology of sarcopenia. However, no studies have yet compared the level of IS between older individuals with or without sarcopenia. Thus, in this study, we compared the IS of 20 class I sarcopenics (CIS), 8 class II sarcopeniscs (CIIS), and 16 non-sarcopenics (NS), among a group of otherwise healthy, non-obese, postmenopausal women. IS was estimated with the quantitative IS check index (QUICKI). Muscle mass index (MMI), which was used to determine sarcopenia, was calculated as follows: (appendicular muscle mass × 1.19) – 1.01/h2, where h = height. Fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), and trunk FM (TFM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Accelerometry and indirect calorimetry were used to estimate resting (REE), daily (DEE), and physical activity (PAEE) energy expenditure. A 3 d food record was used to determine total energy, protein (animal and vegetal), and carbohydrate intakes. As expected, MMI and FFM differed significantly among groups. However, no significant differences were found among groups for IS, FM, TFM, REE, DEE, PAEE, or total energy, protein (both animal and vegetable), and carbohydrate intakes. Using QUICKI, a surrogate measure of IS, the present results suggest that the action of insulin does not play an important role in the development and maintenance of sarcopenia in healthy, non-obese, postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) helps to prevent osteoporosis. The effect of short-term discontinuation of a long-term HRT on bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy post-menopausal women is unknown. Fifteen women on HRT (HRT users), 17 who never used HRT (non-users) and 8 former HRT users (past-HRT users) were recruited. BMD was measured by DXA. Our results allow to hypothesize that BMD may decline after short-term HRT discontinuation, which would increase the fracture risks. Indeed, our results show that past-HRT users are osteopenic just as non-users. However, these results should be re-examined using a prospective trial and a larger sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the effect of glycerol-induced hyperhydration (GIH) to that of water-induced hyperhydration (WIH) on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory functions and endurance performance (EP) during prolonged cycling in a temperate climate in subjects consuming fluid during exercise. At weekly intervals, 6 trained male subjects ingested, in a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced fashion, either a glycerol (1.2 g glycerol/kg bodyweight (BW) with 26 mL/kg BW of water – aspartame-flavored fluid) or placebo solution (water – aspartame-flavored fluid only) over a 2 h period. Subjects then performed 2 h of cycling at 66% of the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and 25 °C while drinking 500 mL/h of sports drink, which was followed by a step-incremented cycling test to exhaustion. Levels of hyperhydration did not differ significantly between treatments before exercise. During exercise, GIH significantly reduced urine production by 246 mL. GIH did not increase sweat rate nor did it decrease heart rate, rectal temperature, or perceived exertion during exercise as compared with WIH. EP was not significantly different between treatments. Neither treatment induced undesirable side effects. It is concluded that, compared with WIH, GIH decreases urine production, but does not improve cardiovascular or thermoregulatory functions, nor does it improve EP during 2 h of cycling in a 25 °C environment in trained athletes consuming 500 mL/h of fluid during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The way fat-free mass is reported may change the conclusions regarding its protective effect on metabolic health The role of fat-free mass (FFM) in maintaining metabolic homoeostasis has gained interest in the past two decades. Specifically, greater FFM relative to body weight was associated with a lower risk of MetS, whereas greater FFM relative to height SP 2 sp was associated with a greater risk of MetS[[4]]. [Extracted from the article]

The regular practice of aerobic training (AT) induces an improvement in insulin sensitivity (IS) in healthy younger women that persists until 96–120 h after the last exercise bout. Due to the dearth of research data, it still remains unclear whether a regular AT program can improve IS for such a period of time after the last training bout in healthy older women. To address this issue, we trained 14 younger and 8 older women 3 days per week during 6 months, and measured IS 3–5 days after the last training bout. AT consisted of 25–60 min sessions of running at 60–95% of maximal heart rate. Fat mass decreased (8%) in older women only. VO2max and fat-free mass increased in both groups. Only older women decreased bodyweight (4%) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (19%). Visceral adipose tissue decreased in none of the groups. The IS improved only in younger women (relative: 22%; absolute: 24%). The present findings suggest that in older women the improvement in IS following AT is short-lived and results mainly from the acute effect of the last training bout, whereas in younger women the chronic adaptations induced by AT are implicated, as the improvement in IS is maintained beyond the residual effect of the last training bout. From a clinical standpoint, our findings suggest that in older women AT should be performed every day to improve glucose metabolism, whereas in younger women an AT frequency (three times per week) allowing to induce and maintain chronic minimal physiological adaptations would be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Physical activity can prevent or retard the loss of muscle mass associated with aging. On the other hand, it has been suggested that HRT may also help prevent sarcopenia in postmenopausal women. We thus examined if HRT provides additional beneficial effect in physically active postmenopausal women. Methods: Forty postmenopausal women aged between 55 and 65 years old (normal weight, healthy and no medication) were recruited. Seventeen women were already taking HRT for at least one year whereas 23 were never submitted to HRT. Body composition was measured by DXA and physical activity metabolism was obtained by the use of accelerometry. Subjects were divided in tertile groups based on their daily physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE). Results: Physical activity groups were similar for age, HRT users distribution, BMI, trunk fat-free mass (FFM), and all fat mass (FM) components. The group of women who were the most physically active significantly displayed greater total FFM, appendicular FFM, and muscle mass index (MMI) compared to the group of less active women (P &#60; 0.05) whereas HRT added no additional effect on any FFM components. Conclusions: Our results suggest that in active postmenopausal women, HRT does not provide any additional beneficial effect on body composition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Obesity in older adults results from several interacting factors. Consequently, interventions have shown mitigated effects. We determined (a) the different subgroups of older adults with obesity based on clusters of associated comorbidities and (b) the trajectory of these clusters to assess their stability over 3 years and factors contributing to transitions. Obese men (n = 193; body mass index [BMI] = 33.15 ± 2.69 kg/m2) and women (n = 220; BMI = 33.71 ± 3.71 kg/m2) aged between 68 and 82 years were studied. Outcome variables were body composition, strength, physical capacity (PC), nutrition, psychological and physical health and social participation. Cluster analyses, stratified by sex, were used to identify obesity profiles at baseline and follow‐up. Three profiles were identified, based on general health (GH), psychological health (PH) and PC: Cluster 1: healthy obese (GH+, PH+, PC+); Cluster 2: obese with low PC (GH+/−, PH+/−, PC−); Cluster 3: unhealthy obese (GH−, PH−, PC−). After 3 years, 61.2% and 70.2% of men and women remained in their initial cluster, compared to 20.4% and 13.7% who transitioned towards a worse health cluster and 18.3% and 16.0% who transitioned towards a more favourable cluster, partly explained by changes in physical health for men and physical health and PH for women. The results of this study show that targeting physical function in men and physical health and PH functions in women could prevent further health decline in older adults with obesity. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of these clusters in the prediction of cardiometabolic complications and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to establish a cut-off value of percentage of fat mass (%FM) at which insulin sensitivity (IS) is significantly altered in sedentary postmenopausal women. Our results suggest that maintaining a %FM below 41% would minimize the deterioration of IS and its associated risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to verify the effect of resistance training and antioxidant supplementation on fat-free mass (FFM) and insulin sensitivity (IS). The results demonstrate that 6 months of resistance training combined with antioxidant supplementation significantly increased FFM without concomitant significant improvement in IS in older adults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]