A. Meléndez

Higher levels of physical fitness are associated with a reduced risk of suffering sarcopenic obesity and better perceived health among the elderly. The EXERNET multi-center study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the associations between physical fitness levels, health related quality of life (HRQoL) and sarcopenic obesity (SO) and to analyze the usefulness of several physical fitness tests as a screening tool for detecting elderly people with an increased risk of suffering SO.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a population-based sample.SettingNon-institutionalized Spanish elderly participating in the EXERNET multi-centre study.Participants2747 elderly subjects aged 65 and older.MeasurementsBody weight, height and body mass index were evaluated in each subject. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Four SO groups were created based on percentage of body fat and relative muscle mass; 1) normal group, 2) sarcopenic group, 3) obesity group and 4) SO group. Physical fitness was evaluated using 8 tests (balance, lower and upper body strength, lower and upper body flexibility, agility, walking speed and aerobic capacity). Three tertiles were created for each test based on the calculated scores. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol visual analogue scale.ResultsParticipants with SO showed lower physical fitness levels compared with normal subjects. Better balance, agility, and aerobic capacity were associated to a lower risk of suffering SO in the fittest men (odds ratio < 0.30). In women, better balance, walking speed, and aerobic capacity were associated to a lower risk of suffering SO in the fittest women (odds ratio < 0.21) Superior perceived health was associated with better physical fitness performance.ConclusionsHigher levels of physical fitness were associated with a reduced risk of suffering SO and better perceived health among elderly. SO elderly people have lower physical functional levels than healthy counterparts.

Physical strength is associated with Mini-Mental State Examination scores in Spanish institutionalized elderly.

The present cross‐sectional study aimed at assessing muscle strength of hands, the dominant arm and legs in Spanish institutionalized elderly people according to sex, age and cognitive status.

Polymedication in institutionalized elderly and its effect on vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels

AIM To determine drug consumption in institutionalized elderly living in the Region of Madrid (Spain) and to assess the relationship between drug intake and biochemical parameters for vitamin B12 (Cobalamin and Holotranscobalamin), serum folate (SF) and homocysteine (Hcy). METHODS 167 subjects (32% men), mean age 83 ± 7 years, were classified according to biochemical parameter levels (in or out of reference range) and drugs were classified according to ATC system. The relationship between drug intake and biochemical levels was studied by means of the Fisher exact test. RESULTS The daily mean drug intake was 5. Psicoleptic and antiacid drugs were the most consumed (both 53%). Cobalamin (median 158.2 pg/mL; 10.7% of individuals), SF (5.3 ng/mL; 52.1%) and holotranscobalamin (11.76 pmoL/L; 7.8%) deficiencies were observed. Hyperhomocysteinaemia (19.4 μmoL/L) was present in 65% of population. Antiaenemic drug intake normalized cobalamin, urologic drug and corticosteroids SF and psicoanaleptics holotranscobalamin levels. Drugs against pulmonar obstruction increased Hcy concentration (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of SF deficiency and hyperhomocysteinaemia in the studied population. The elevated number of drugs taken simultaneously by each subject makes it difficult to analyze which drugs are responsible for those alterations.

Exercise dose and diabetes risk in overweight and obese children: A randomized control trial

Exercise has been prescribed for diabetes treatment since at least 600 B.C. The early East Indian text, the Shushruta, described a reduction in the sweetness of urine from diabetic patients after exercise. One might think that very little could be left to discover in the field of exercise and diabetes, yet surprisingly this is far from the truth. Ongoing research is refining the exercise prescription for patients of all ages, with the main types of diabetes (gestational, type 1, and type 2) and discovering new ways in which exercise has benefits. Alterations in metabolism caused by diabetes and new types of exercise modalities are also actively being researched. A search of several hundred articles on exercise published between July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013, uncovered the following 9 articles we felt had the most relevance to patients with diabetes or prediabetes.