BackgroundThe loss of skeletal muscle mass (MM) or muscle function (MF) alone increases the risk for losing physical independence in older adults. We aimed to examine the independent and synergic associations of low MM and low MF, both criteria of sarcopenia, with the risk for losing projected physical independence in later life (+90 years old).MethodsCross‐sectional analyses were conducted in 3493 non‐institutionalized older adults (1166 males). Physical independence was assessed with a 12‐item composite physical function scale. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds‐ratio (OR) for being at risk for losing physical independence.ResultsApproximately 30% of the participants were at risk for losing physical independence at 90 years of age. Independent analysis demonstrated that participants with low MM had 1.65 (95%CI: 1.27–2.31) increased odds for being at risk for losing physical independence and participants with low MF had 6.19 (95%CI 5.08–7.53) increased odds for being at risk. Jointly, having a low MM and a low MF increased the risk for losing physical independence to 12.28 (95%CI 7.95 to 18.96).ConclusionsAlthough low MM represents a risk factor for losing physical independence, low MF seems to play a more dominant role in this relationship, with the presence of both sarcopenia criteria representing a substantial risk for losing physical independence in later life.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on phase angle (PhA), inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and to evaluate whether these RT-induced adaptations are related to PhA changes. Fifty-one older women (70.6 ± 5.1 years; 26.9 ± 4.2 kg/m ) were randomly allocated into a training group (TG) that performed 12-week RT or a nonexercising control group (CG). The PhA (Xitron), body composition (DXA), and blood sample measurements (after a 12 hours fast) were performed before and after the intervention. The TG showed a significant (P < .05) increase in PhA (TG: +7.4±5.9% vs CG: -3.6 ± 8.8%), and interleukin-10 (IL-10; TG: +51.8 ± 71.1% vs CG: -46.6 ± 38.0%), and a decrease in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α; TG: -15.2 ± 11.1% vs CG: +6.9±17.7%), interleukin-6 (IL-6; TG: -17.9 ± 17.8% vs CG: +6.1 ± 24.8%), and C-reactive protein (CRP; TG: -24.1 ± 19.9% vs CG: +43.8 ± 31.1%). Moreover, TG upregulated catalase (TG: +11.4 ± 15.0% vs CG: -6.7 ± 10.2%). Changes in TNF-α (r = -.71), CRP (r = -.65), lower advanced oxidation protein products (r = -.55), and catalase (r = +.73) after RT were correlated with changes in PhA (P < .05). These results suggest that RT improves PhA, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and the changes in inflammatory and oxidative damage markers are correlated with changes in PhA.

In untrained older women, a RT is associated with increases in PhA, whereas detraining results in a marked decrease in PhA, and more time may be required in retraining to counteract the negative influence of absence of exercise stimulus.

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The aim of this study was to analyze the association between muscle quality index (MQI) and phase angle (PhA) after a program of progressive resistance training (RT) in older women. Sixty-six older women with previous RT experience (68.8 ± 4.6 years, 156.6 ± 5.3 cm, 66.0 ± 13.0 kg, and 26.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2) underwent 12 weeks of RT (3 ×/week, eight exercises, and 10–15 repetition maximum). Anthropometry, muscular strength (one-repetition maximum tests), and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and spectral bioimpedance) were measured pre- and posttraining. There were observed significant increases for PhA, MQI, muscular strength, muscle mass, and reactance, whereas no significant changes in body fat and resistance were found. A significant correlation was observed between the RT-induced relative changes in PhA and MQI (r = .620). We conclude that improvements in MQI induced by RT are associated with increases in PhA. Therefore, PhA may be a valid tool to track changes in MQI after 12 weeks of RT in older women.

This file was dowloaded from the institutional repository Brage NIH -brage.bibsys.no/nih Sardinha, L. B., Ekelund, U., dos Santos, L., Cyrino, E. S., Silva, A. M., Santos, D. (2015). AbstractIdentifying modifiable behaviours associated with prevention of activities of daily living (ADL) impairments is vital to implement preventive strategies for independent living in elderly. We aimed to examine the associations between objectively measured breaks in sedentary time with ADL impairments and physical independence. Cross-sectional assessments were carried out in 371 participants (131 male) aged 65-103 years from the Portuguese surveillance system of physical activity. Physical Activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) were assessed with accelerometry, and ADL impairments and physical independence with the self-reported 12-item composite physical function scale. Using ROC analyses a cut-off of 7 hourly breaks in sedentary time was identified which maximized the sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing physical dependence. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that, independently of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), participants performing ≤7 hourly breaks in sedentary time had 2 to 7 fold increased odds for impairment in 10 of the 12 ADL. When stratifying ADL into basic, instrumental and advanced ADL we verified that less than 7 hourly breaks in sedentary time was associated (p<0.05) with a 2 to 5 fold increased odds for impairments and physical dependence, independent of MVPA. No associations (p>0.05) were observed between meeting PA guidelines and basic, instrumental, and advanced ADL impairment although time in MVPA was lower (p<0.05) in participants showing impairments. In conclusion, the frequency of breaks in sedentary time in older ages is independently associated with lower risk for ADL impairments and physical dependence. Our findings support interventions to encourage older adults to increase overall PA by interrupting sedentary time.

We conclude that the improvement in the 10-MWT after an 8-week RT program is associated with increases in lower limb muscular strength and muscle quality, but not with muscle mass or body fat changes in older women.

BACKGROUND: Studies are conflicting as to whether single-set resistance training (RT) are as effective as multi-set protocols with respect to promoting muscular adaptations. Several meta-analyses have shown that a clear dose-response relationship exists between RT volume and muscular adaptations. However, a majority of studies were not specific to older individuals, particularly women. OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in strength and body composition in elderly women following 1 vs. 3 sets of RT. METHODS: Thirty older women participated in a 12-week supervised total body RT program. Participants were randomly assigned to perform either 1 set (G1S) or 3 sets (G3S) per session. All other RT variables were held constant. Body composition was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength was evaluated by 1RM in chest press and knee extension. RESULTS: Increases in strength were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in G3S versus G1S in both the chest press (+26.6%, versus +20.3%) and the knee extension (+23.9% versus +16.2%). No significant (p > 0.05) differences were noted in body composition components between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that multiple set protocols are required to optimize strength gains in older women. Changes in body composition appear to be similar irrespective of training volume during the initial stages of RT.