Long-term effects of group exercise intervention on maximal step-up height in middle-aged female primary care patients with obesity and other cardio-metabolic risk factors

Abstract

Background: Low physical performance is a predictor of morbidity and mortality. This study looks at long-term effects of an exercise intervention on maximal step-up height (MSH) in individuals with low physical function. Factors associated with changes in MSH was studied. Methods: Female patients (n = 101), mean (SD) age of 52 (11) years, were recruited for a 3-month group exercise intervention including 2-3 sessions/week of mixed aerobic fitness and strength training. MSH, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2-max), self-reported health (SF-36) and physical activity (PA) were measured at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 14-30 (mean 22) months (T2). Relationships between changes in MSH (cm) and age, baseline MSH, time to follow-up, changes in anthropometric measurements, VO 2-max, SF-36 and PA were studied with regression analyses. Results: MSH, significantly, increased from T0 to T1, 27.2 (5.7) to 29.0 (5.5) cm and decreased to 25.2 (5.5) cm at T2. Time to follow-up (B = − 0.42, p < 0.001) and change in BMI (B = − 0.29, p = 0.012) correlated significantly to changes in MSH. Waist circumference, VO 2-max, PF and exercise/physical activity levels were significantly improved at T2, while BMI did not change. In a univariate logistic regression model, maintenance of MSH correlated to the extent of mixed training (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.25-8.89). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for important factors the correlation was not significant. However, MSH was significantly higher in individuals participating in 2-3 session per week compared to one session. Conclusions: A 3-month group exercise intervention increased MSH, improved fitness, decreased risk in female patients with elevated cardio-metabolic risk. After an average of 22 months MSH was reduced while positive effects remained for waist circumference, VO 2-max, physical function and physical activity. However, regular group exercise 2-3 times per week with mixed aerobic fitness and strength training was associated with maintenance of MSH in a subgroup of patients. We suggest that such an intervention including regular support from healthcare professionals is a successful approach for maintaining improved leg-muscle strength among primary care patients.

Reliability in Novel Field-Based Fitness Measurements and Postexercise Scores from a Physical Fitness Test Battery in Older Adults

“…A three-month intervention with exercise (2–3 times/week) measuring MST showed a significant improvement from the mean 27.2 (5.7) to 29.0 (5.5) cm in middle-aged female primary care patients (mean 52 ± 11 years) with obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors [ 17 ]. These MST values are higher than the youngest age group in our study (65–69 years) increasing from pre-2 to the end test in a two-month intervention (2 sessions/weeks).…”

“…Five sit-to-stand: time in seconds was measured while performing 5 sit-to-stand as fast as possible and sitting down fully on the 46-cm high chair between each raise, with start and stop in a seated position.MST: on either leg, a standardized MST was performed in 3-cm increments on a specially designed step-up box until the highest height was reached. Correct body posture was required, without support from hands or the other leg [16, 17]. Grip strength: a hand-grip dynamometer (Sagitta, Sagitta Pedagog AB, Sweden) was squeezed as hard as possible for 4–5 s while standing, with arms and hands hanging.…”

“… MST: on either leg, a standardized MST was performed in 3-cm increments on a specially designed step-up box until the highest height was reached. Correct body posture was required, without support from hands or the other leg [ 16 , 17 ]. Grip strength: a hand-grip dynamometer (Sagitta, Sagitta Pedagog AB, Sweden) was squeezed as hard as possible for 4–5 s while standing, with arms and hands hanging.…”

“…MST: on either leg, a standardized MST was performed in 3-cm increments on a specially designed step-up box until the highest height was reached. Correct body posture was required, without support from hands or the other leg [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Analysis of body heat tolerance of workers in a simulated warm environment based on linear mixed model

“…It depends on cardiac output and oxygen used by the muscles [ 17 , 18 ]. The maximal aerobic capacity is frequently used to measure the fitness of the cardiorespiratory system [ 3 , 15 , 19 , 20 ].…”