Experimental gerontology
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Experimental gerontology · Jan 2015
Effects of short-term training combining strength and balance exercises on maximal strength and upright standing steadiness in elderly adults.
This study investigated the effects of two training programmes of 6 weeks combining strength and balance exercises in different proportions. One training programme [n=10; 71.4 (6.3) years] consisted mainly of strength exercises (ST) and the other programme [n=8; 71.4 (6.4) years] included a majority of balance exercises (BT). Maximal strength of lower leg muscles and centre of pressure (CoP) steadiness during upright stance in various sensory conditions were measured before and after training. ⋯ The electromyographic activity of the ankle plantar flexor muscles during upright standing decreased (p<0.05) after training but not for the tibialis anterior. Results obtained for H reflex and MEP input-output relations suggest an increased efficacy of Ia afferents to activate low-threshold motor neurones and a decrease in corticospinal excitability after training. This study indicates that short-term training combining strength and balance exercises increases maximal strength and induces change in the neural control of lower leg muscles during upright standing.
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Experimental gerontology · Dec 2014
Controlled Clinical TrialConcurrent strength and endurance training exercise sequence does not affect neuromuscular adaptations in older men.
Concurrent training is an effective method for increasing skeletal muscle performance in aging individuals, but controversy exists as to whether chronic neuromuscular and functional adaptations are affected by the intra-session exercise sequence. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of concurrent endurance and power-like strength training exercise sequence on muscular and functional adaptations of older participants. Thirty-six healthy older men not engaged in systematic exercise training programs for at least 6 months were divided into a control group (CON; 65.8±5.3 years), or in the training groups: endurance-strength (ES; 63.2±3.3 years), or strength-endurance (SE; 67.1±6.1 years). ⋯ Maximum muscular activity was greater after 12weeks at training groups (p≤0.05), and reductions in RFEI were found only in ES and SE (p≤0.05). These results demonstrate that concurrent strength and endurance training performed twice a week effectively increases muscular performance and functional capacity in older men, independent of the intra-session exercise sequence. Additionally, the RFEI decreases indicate an additional adaptation to concurrent training.
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Experimental gerontology · Nov 2014
Multicenter StudyPrecipitating factors of delirium: stress response to multiple triggers among patients with and without dementia.
Delirium is common and serious acute syndrome among older people precipitated by multiple external factors such as acute illnesses, trauma, surgery, and drugs. The aim of this study was to find possible stressors and causative triggers for acute delirium and compare patients with or without dementia in this respect. ⋯ Most patients had multiple precipitating factors for delirium irrespective of prior dementia. Those with dementia and decreased cognitive reserves needed lower number of etiologies to develop delirium. The profile of causative agents differed among patients with and without dementia.
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Experimental gerontology · Nov 2014
Age related differences in diaphragm muscle fiber response to mid/long term controlled mechanical ventilation.
Critically ill intensive care patients are subjected to controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) which has an important association in triggering the impaired muscle function and the consequent delayed weaning from the respirator. ⋯ This study shows an unexpected response of the diaphragm fibers to 5days CMV, demonstrating an increased CSA (p<0.001) in both young and old animals. Furthermore, an observed decreased maximum force of 39.8-45.2% (p<0.001) in both young and old animals compared with controls resulted in a dramatic loss of specific force. We suggest that this increase in CSA and decrease in specific force observed in both the young and old diaphragm fibers is an ineffective compensatory hypertrophy in response to the CMV. These results demonstrate an important mechanism of significant importance for the weaning problems associated with mechanical ventilation.
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Life expectancy is assumed to rise continuously and consequently global burden of age-associated diseases is expected to increase. All vital organs begin to lose some function during aging with different rates, and the same happens on the lung. ⋯ We here hypothesize that environmental gases, such as cigarette smoke and kitchen pollutants, may accelerate the aging of lung or worsen aging-related events in the lung, leading to defective resolution of inflammation, reduced anti-oxidant capacity and defective disposal of abnormal proteins, and this consequently induces progression of COPD. Recent studies identified some anti-aging small molecules (geroprotectors) that may open up new avenues for the treatment of COPD.