Journal of geriatric physical therapy
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J Geriatr Phys Ther · Apr 2018
Meta AnalysisActive Video Games for Improving Physical Performance Measures in Older People: A Meta-analysis.
Participation in regular physical activity is associated with better physical function in older people (>65 years); however, older people are the least active of all age groups. Exercise-based active video games (AVGs) offer an alternative to traditional exercise programs aimed at maintaining or enhancing physical performance measures in older people. This review systematically evaluated whether AVGs could improve measures of physical performance in older people. Secondary measures of safety, game appeal, and usability were also considered. ⋯ Active video games can improve measures of mobility and balance in older people when used either on their own or as part of an exercise program. It is not yet clear whether AVGs are equally suitable for older people with significant cognitive impairments or balance or mobility limitations. Given the positive findings to date, consideration could be given to further development of age-appropriate AVGs for use by older people with balance or mobility limitations.
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J Geriatr Phys Ther · Apr 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialResistance Training Improves Muscle Function and Cardiometabolic Risks But Not Quality of Life in Older People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
In older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the effects of aging and T2DM may compromise the function of skeletal muscle, deteriorate metabolic status, and jeopardize physical performance, aerobic capacity, and quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on muscle function, physical performance, cardiometabolic risks, and QoL in older people with T2DM. ⋯ Twelve weeks of RT increased the maximal strength in chest-press and leg-press tests, and improved 5-repetition sit-to-stand performance in older people with T2DM. Our study demonstrated that supervised, structured RT was able to promote muscle function and alleviate cardiometabolic risks in people with T2DM 65 years or older.