Articles

Perceptions of physical activity among elderly residents and professionals in assisted living facilities

Physical activity is often described as being important for people of all ages, but what different people mean when they talk about physical activity is unclear.

Authors: Annsofie Mahrs Träff, Elisabet Cedersund and Catharina Nord

An exploratory study on the impact of daily activities on the pleasure and physical activity of older adults

Pleasure is one determinant of intrinsic motivation and yet a dimension often forgotten when promoting physical activity among the older population. In this study we investigate the relation between daily acti...

Authors: Miriam Cabrita, Richel Lousberg, Monique Tabak, Hermie J. Hermens and Miriam M.R. Vollenbroek-Hutten

Extremity injuries and dementia disproportionately increase the risk for long-term care at older age in an analysis of German Health Insurance routine data for the years 2006 to 2010

Extremity injuries (EI) and dementia are important causes of long-term care (LTC), but they can also cause each other and are often present concurrently. Mobility-limiting EI can increase the risk of dementia,...

Authors: Alexander Barth, Anja Vatterrott, Ying Zhou, Anne Fink and Gabriele Doblhammer

The FARSEEING real-world fall repository: a large-scale collaborative database to collect and share sensor signals from real-world falls

Real-world fall events objectively measured by body-worn sensors can improve the understanding of fall events in older people. However, these events are rare and hence challenging to capture. Therefore, the FA...

Authors: Jochen Klenk, Lars Schwickert, Luca Palmerini, Sabato Mellone, Alan Bourke, Espen A. F. Ihlen, Ngaire Kerse, Klaus Hauer, Mirjam Pijnappels, Matthis Synofzik, Karin Srulijes, Walter Maetzler, Jorunn L. Helbostad, Wiebren Zijlstra, Kamiar Aminian, Christopher Todd…

Impact of a randomized possible selves experiment on new retirees’ physical activity and identity

Retirement is not always associated with greater engagement in physical activity. Previous interventions informed by possible selves, a type of future-oriented self-representation, proved useful to increase ph...

Authors: Mélanie G. M. Perras, Shaelyn M. Strachan, Michelle S. Fortier and Brenden Dufault

Exploring user experience and technology acceptance for a fall prevention system: results from a randomized clinical trial and a living lab

Falls are common in older adults and can result in serious injuries. Due to demographic changes, falls and related healthcare costs are likely to increase over the next years. Participation and motivation of o...

Authors: Daryoush D. Vaziri, Konstantin Aal, Corinna Ogonowski, Thomas Von Rekowski, Michael Kroll, Hannah R. Marston, Rakel Poveda, Yves J. Gschwind, Kim Delbaere, Rainer Wieching and Volker Wulf

Assessment of recovery in older patients hospitalized with different diagnoses and functional levels, evaluated with and without geriatric assessment

The objective of the present study was to investigate 1) the role of different admission diagnoses and 2) the degree of functional loss, on the rate of recovery of older patients after acute hospitalization. F...

Authors: Jenny Foss Abrahamsen, Cathrine Haugland and Anette Hylen Ranhoff

Sensory-motor training targeting motor dysfunction and muscle weakness in long-term care elderly combined with motivational strategies: a single blind randomized controlled study

This study evaluated the effects of a combined innovative training regime consisting of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) and a dance video game (DVG) on physical performance and muscle streng...

Authors: Slavko Rogan, Lorenz Radlinger, Heiner Baur, Dietmar Schmidtbleicher, Rob A. de Bie and Eling D. de Bruin

The Contribution of Advanced Glycation End product (AGE) accumulation to the decline in motor function

Diminishing motor function is commonly observed in the elderly population and is associated with a wide range of adverse health consequences. Advanced Glycation End products (AGE’s) may contribute to age-relat...

Authors: Hans Drenth, Sytse Zuidema, Steven Bunt, Ivan Bautmans, Cees van der Schans and Hans Hobbelen

Kinect-based choice reaching and stepping reaction time tests for clinical and in-home assessment of fall risk in older people: a prospective study

Quick protective reactions such as reaching or stepping are important to avoid a fall or minimize injuries. We developed Kinect-based choice reaching and stepping reaction time tests (Kinect-based CRTs) and ev...

Authors: Andreas Ejupi, Yves J. Gschwind, Matthew Brodie, Wolfgang L. Zagler, Stephen R. Lord and Kim Delbaere

Physical activity and neurocognitive functioning in aging - a condensed updated review

This condensed review gives an overview about two methodological approaches to study the impact of physical activity on cognition in elderly, namely cross-sectional studies and randomized controlled interventi...

Authors: Patrick D. Gajewski and Michael Falkenstein

Effects of BDNF polymorphism and physical activity on episodic memory in the elderly: a cross sectional study

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration is highest in the hippocampus compared with that in other brain structures and affects episodic memory, a cognitive function that is impaired in older...

Authors: Anne Canivet, Cédric T. Albinet, Nathalie André, Jean Pylouster, Montserrat Rodríguez-Ballesteros, Alain Kitzis and Michel Audiffren

Aerobic training as a means to enhance inhibition: what’s yet to be studied?

Some of the neurodegenerative processes in healthy aging, including changes in structural and biochemical properties of the brain, are argued to affect cortical inhibitory functions. Age-related deficits in th...

Authors: Oron Levin and Yael Netz

The design of a purpose-built exergame for fall prediction and prevention for older people

Falls in older people represent a major age-related health challenge facing our society. Novel methods for delivery of falls prevention programs are required to increase effectiveness and adherence to these pr...

Authors: Hannah R. Marston, Ashley Woodbury, Yves J. Gschwind, Michael Kroll, Denis Fink, Sabine Eichberg, Karl Kreiner, Andreas Ejupi, Janneke Annegarn, Helios de Rosario, Arno Wienholtz, Rainer Wieching and Kim Delbaere

Effects of whole-body vibration on proxies of muscle strength in old adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis on the role of physical capacity level

Dynapenia (age-associated loss of muscle strength not caused by neurologic or muscular diseases) and functional limitations (e.g. climbing stairs, chair rising) are important problems in elderly persons. Whole...

Authors: Slavko Rogan, Eling D. de Bruin, Lorenz Radlinger, Christine Joehr, Christa Wyss, Neil-Jerome Stuck, Yvonne Bruelhart, Rob A. de Bie and Roger Hilfiker

The effect of sensor-based exercise at home on functional performance associated with fall risk in older people – a comparison of two exergame interventions

There is good evidence that balance challenging exercises can reduce falls in older people. However, older people often find it difficult to incorporate such programs in their daily life. Videogame technology ...

Authors: Yves J. Gschwind, Daniel Schoene, Stephen R. Lord, Andreas Ejupi, Trinidad Valenzuela, Konstantin Aal, Ashley Woodbury and Kim Delbaere

ICT-based system to predict and prevent falls (iStoppFalls): results from an international multicenter randomized controlled trial

Falls and fall-related injuries are a serious public health issue. Exercise programs can effectively reduce fall risk in older people. The iStoppFalls project developed an Information and Communication Technol...

Authors: Yves J. Gschwind, Sabine Eichberg, Andreas Ejupi, Helios de Rosario, Michael Kroll, Hannah R. Marston, Mario Drobics, Janneke Annegarn, Rainer Wieching, Stephen R. Lord, Konstantin Aal, Daryoush Vaziri, Ashley Woodbury, Dennis Fink and Kim Delbaere

A comparison of linear and nonlinear stability parameters in different clinical forms of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the neurological diseases that affect the ability of subjects to stand and walk. The stability of MS subjects has been evaluated in various studies, mostly based on linear app...

Authors: Mehrdad Anbarian, Mahnaz Marvi-Esfahani, Mohammad Taghi Karimi, Masoud Etemadifar, Seyed Mohammad Marandi and Mostafa Kamali

Health benefits of cycle ergometer training for older adults over 70: a review

As the number of older adults continues to increase worldwide, more attention is being paid to geriatric health care needs, and successful ageing is becoming an important topic in the medical literature. A pre...

Authors: Walid Bouaziz, Elise Schmitt, Georges Kaltenbach, Bernard Geny and Thomas Vogel

The time course of changes induced by resistance training and detraining on muscular and physical function in older adults

It is generally recognised that the physical functioning of older adults is enhanced with resistance exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the time course of changes in upper and lower body muscle...

Authors: Carla Coetsee and Elmarie Terblanche

Possible neurocognitive benefits of exercise in persons with heart failure

More than 6 million Americans have heart failure (HF) and more than 500,000 are diagnosed each year. In addition to its many adverse medical consequences, HF is also a significant risk factor for neurological ...

Authors: Rachel Galioto, Andrew F. Fedor and John Gunstad

Preliminary inconclusive results of a randomised double blinded cross-over pilot trial in long-term-care dwelling elderly assessing the feasibility of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration

This randomised double-blinded controlled cross-over pilot study examined feasibility and preliminary effects of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration training applied in long term care elderly.

Authors: Slavko Rogan, Lorenz Radlinger, Dietmar Schmidtbleicher, Rob A. de Bie and Eling D. de Bruin

Exploring the context of sedentary behaviour in older adults (what, where, why, when and with whom)

Older adults are the most sedentary segment of the population. Little information is available about the context of sedentary behaviour to inform guidelines and intervention. There is a dearth of information a...

Authors: Calum F. Leask, Juliet A. Harvey, Dawn A. Skelton and Sebastien FM Chastin

A qualitative investigation of exercising with MS and the impact on the spousal relationship

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects more than 2.3 million people around the world. Symptoms are numerous and varied, often having a profound effect on activities of daily living. While for...

Authors: Sean Horton, Dany J. MacDonald, Karl Erickson and Rylee A. Dionigi

The application of strength and power related field tests in older adults: criteria, current status and a future perspective

Leg muscle strength (LMS) and leg muscle power (LMP) are determinants of aspects of functional status and important parameters for measuring intervention effects in older adults. Field tests are often used for...

Authors: G. Ruben H. Regterschot, Tobias Morat, Marjanne Folkersma and Wiebren Zijlstra

EURAPA moves to open access: Research trends and challenges in physical activity in old age

Authors: Yael Netz and Wiebren Zijlstra

Systematic review of functional training on muscle strength, physical functioning, and activities of daily living in older adults

Exercise programs are often recommended for preventing or delaying late-life disability. Programs that incorporate functional training, which uses movements similar to performing activities of daily living, ma...

Authors: Chiung-ju Liu, Deepika M. Shiroy, Leah Y. Jones and Daniel O. Clark

Effects of Pilates method in physical fitness on older adults. A systematic review

Pilates method is employed for physical and mental conditioning. Elderly people could be benefited from a patterned and regulated conditioning work based on Pilates method. We performed a systematic review to ...

Authors: Jose M. Cancela, Iris M. de Oliveira and Gustavo Rodríguez-Fuentes

Erratum to: Design considerations for a theory-driven exergame-based rehabilitation program to improve walking of persons with stroke

Authors: Seline Wüest, Rolf van de Langenberg and Eling D. de Bruin

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Active aging—a multidisciplinary approach to the third and fourth age

Authors: Heinz Mechling

Level of physical activity and anthropometric characteristics in old age—results from a national health survey

Advanced age is associated with degenerative changes in body composition. There is evidence suggesting that changes may vary upon differences in lifestyle, environment, or gender. Physical activity engagement ...

Authors: Ayelet Dunsky, Sima Zach, Aviva Zeev, Uri Goldbourt, Tal Shimony, Rebecca Goldsmith and Yael Netz

Physical activity of middle-age adults aged 50–65 years in view of health recommendations

The objective of the study was to assess the level of habitual physical activity, mainly its frequency and duration, of middle-age adults aged 50–65 years in a typical week of their life in comparison to the l...

Authors: Władysław Mynarski, Michał Rozpara, Agnieszka Nawrocka, Zbigniew Borek, Aneta Powerska and Wiesław Garbaciak

Assessing physical activity in inpatient rehabilitation—sensor-based validation of the PAIR

Increased physical activity is positively associated with better health in community-dwelling older persons. It is unclear whether physical activity also influences success of inpatient rehabilitation. For the...

Authors: Michael D. Denkinger, Simone E. Flick, Thorsten Nikolaus, Clemens Becker, Kamiar Aminian and Ulrich Lindemann

Design considerations for a theory-driven exergame-based rehabilitation program to improve walking of persons with stroke

Virtual rehabilitation approaches for promoting motor recovery has attracted considerable attention in recent years. It appears to be a useful tool to provide beneficial and motivational rehabilitation conditi...

Authors: Seline Wüest, Rolf van de Langenberg and Eling D. de Bruin

Effectiveness of water-based exercise in people living with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review

This systematic review summarizes the relatively scant literature concerning the effectiveness of water-based exercise (WBE) interventions in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PE...

Authors: Carlos Ayán Pérez and J. M. Cancela

Physical consequences of falls in the elderly: a literature review from 1995 to 2010

In the last decade, population ageing has been registered as a global phenomenon. A relation exists between falling and ageing, since falling frequency increases significantly with age. In fact, one in three o...

Authors: Miguel Terroso, Natacha Rosa, Antonio Torres Marques and Ricardo Simoes

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Authors: Yael Netz

Accelerometry analysis of physical activity and sedentary behavior in older adults: a systematic review and data analysis

Accelerometers objectively monitor physical activity and sedentary patterns and are increasingly used in the research setting. It is important to maintain consistency in data analysis and reporting, therefore,...

Authors: E. Gorman, H. M. Hanson, P. H. Yang, K. M. Khan, T. Liu-Ambrose and M. C. Ashe

Reliability and effects of muscular pretension on isometric strength of older adults

There were two objectives to this study: (a) to determine the reliability of measuring isometric maximum torque (MT) and maximum rate of torque development (MRTD) of the knee extensor and flexor muscles and (b...

Authors: Tobias Morat and Peter Preuß

Physical activity is inversely related to drug consumption in elderly patients with cardiovascular events

Elderly patients with cardiovascular events are characterized by high drug consumptions. Whether high drug consumptions are related to physical activity is not known. In order to examine whether physical activ...

Authors: Francesco Cacciatore, Francesca Mazzella, Luisa Viati, Giancarlo Longobardi, Antonio Magliocca, Claudia Basile, Livia Guadagno, Nicola Ferrara, Franco Rengo and Pasquale Abete

Trunk stabilization with sling training in osteoporosis patients—a randomized clinical trial

Fractures due to osteoporosis are one of the principal causes of functional limitations, chronic pain, and greater morbidity in advanced age. In addition to bone risk factors for osteoporotic fractures include...

Authors: Guido Schröder, Andreas Knauerhase, Guenther Kundt and Hans-Christof Schober

Effects of a multimodal exercise program in pedal dexterity and balance: study with Portuguese older adults of different contexts

This study investigated the effects of a multimodal exercise program (MEP) on pedal dexterity and balance in two groups of older adult participants (65–92 years of age) from a psychiatric hospital center (HC),...

Authors: João Silva, Olga Vasconcelos, Paula Rodrigues and Joana Carvalho

Effects of age and physical activity on response speed in knee flexor and extensor muscles

This study aims to determine the normalized response speed (V _rn) in vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles in different age groups using tensiomyography. Eighty-four male subjects ...

Authors: D. Rodríguez-Ruiz, J. M. García-Manso, D. Rodríguez-Matoso, S. Sarmiento, M. Da Silva-Grigoletto and R. Pisot

Rapid repetitive passive movement promotes knee proprioception in the elderly

Joint proprioception plays an important role in the generation of coordinated movements, maintenance of normal body posture, body conditioning, motor learning, and relearning. Previous studies have demonstrate...

Authors: Yan-Ying Ju, Jin-Kun Lin, Hsin-Yi Kathy Cheng, Chih-Hsiu Cheng and Alice May-Kuen Wong

Influence of chronic exercise on serum cortisol levels in older adults

The circulating level of cortisol is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through a neuroendocrine feedback circuit. This circuit can be activated by physiological stimuli such as stress, disea...

Authors: Danilla Icassatti Corazza, Émerson Sebastião, Renata Valle Pedroso, Carla Andreza Almeida Andreatto, Flavia Gomes de Melo Coelho, Sebastião Gobbi, Elizabeth Teodorov and Ruth Ferreira Santos-Galduróz

Training effects on motor–cognitive dual-task performance in older adults

This systematic review investigated whether healthy older adults benefit from training interventions in motor–cognitive dual-task (DT) situations and which specific aspects of the intervention and/or task sele...

Authors: Bettina Wollesen and Claudia Voelcker-Rehage

The Multisurface Obstacle Test for Older Adults (MSOT): development and reliability of a novel test for older adults

Locomotion is an essential component of independence and well-being at old age. Performance deficits in the gait of older adults most often become evident on multisurface and varying terrains. Research results...

Authors: Tobias Morat, Daniela Kroeger and Heinz Mechling

Resistance training induced increase in VO₂max in young and older subjects

It is an undeniable fact that resistance training (RT) is a potent stimulus for muscle hypertrophy and strength gain, but it is less understood whether RT can increase maximal aerobic capacity (VO₂max). The purpo...

Authors: Hayao Ozaki, Jeremy P. Loenneke, Robert S. Thiebaud and Takashi Abe

An examination of the mechanisms underlying the effects of physical activity on brain and cognition

Physical activity positively influences brain health and cognitive functioning in older adults. Several physiological and psychological mechanisms have been identified to underlie such a relationship. Cardiova...

Authors: José Marmeleira