Effects of Three Different Chair-Based Exercise Programs on People Older Than 80 Years

Abstract

This study aimed at comparing the effects of three chair-based exercise programs on people older than 80 years. Thirty-six participants (87.91 ± 4.70 years) were randomly allocated to an aerobic, muscular resistance, or joint mobility exercise program. The participants exercised 3 days per week during 3 months. A hand-held dynamometer, the Tinetti Gait Balance, the Barthel Index, and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) (assessed by means of the Wiva science sensor) were used to evaluate the effects of the programs on the participants' strength, balance, functional independence, and functional mobility, respectively. After the intervention, it was observed that only the elastic-band program resulted in significant improvements in strength and balance. These results imply that when choosing a low-cost exercise program for very old people, the use of elastic bands stands as a far better option than pedaling on a pedal exerciser or performing mobility exercises.

Combining a Cognitive Concurrent Task with a Motor or Motor-Cognitive Task: Which Is Better to Differentiate Levels of Affectation in Parkinson’s Disease?

“…is variable was assessed using the Walk protocol with Wiva ® sensors [34], a set of wireless inertial detection devices placed in the L4-L5 spinal segment. Wiva ® sensors include an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and a gyroscope that allow professionals and practitioners to gather information about spatiotemporal parameters of the gait achieved during the Walk protocol.…”

Application of the computerized functional diagnosis system with the sensor Wiva® science in the evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation of patients with back pain syndrome

“…Studies on the functional assessment with the Wiva® system meet all basic scientific criteria: they are valid due to the existence of an external standard, and they are repeatable and reliable, which means that the variability of the observer and device is kept to a minimum [8,9,10]. Wiva® system also helps evaluate the progress of patient's rehabilitation, as well as patient's condition after treatment [14,15].…”

“…The results of such research allow for rational and beneficial therapeutic decisions. Modern, objective diagnostic methods of spatial motion analysis [13,14,15,16] are particularly useful for such assessments. These methods include computerized measurements of spine mobility in diagnostics of patients with musculoskeletal disorders.…”

“…The analysis based on the observation, measurement and description of the spine movement parameters is an indispensable component of the clinical trial [17], especially when the symptoms of the disease are related to the musculoskeletal system. Measurements of spinal mobility may be taken with a standard goniometer [8,19] or with modern kinematic evaluation tools [14].…”

Commentary on Some Recent Theses Relevant to Combating Aging: June 2019

“…Comment: A progressive loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) is among the most visible and ubiquitous signs of aging, impacting all areas of life, and only moderately preventable by exercise. [20][21][22] It is widely recognized as a major contributor to global functional decline in older adults and the ensuing need for assistive technologies. 23 Historically, intrinsic, or niche-mediated defects in the satellite cell population were considered a probable cause of this degeneration; however, recent studies have indicated that lifelong partial satellite cell depletion has no apparent impact on the development of sarcopenia, despite predisposing the tissue to fibrosis.…”