Daniela Hayashi

Postural balance and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in physically independent older adults with different levels of aerobic exercise capacity

Balance impairs with aging and may cause mobility limitations and functional decline. We aimed to evaluate postural balance and PADL in physically independent older adults with different levels of exercise capacity. One hundred fifty seven physically independent individuals, aged 60 years or older were evaluated. Postural balance assessment was performed during one-legged stance test using a force-platform and maximum exercise capacity with the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT). PADL was assessed subjectively by the modified Baecke questionnaire and objectively using a pedometer. Based on the performance achieved in the ISWT, according to the percentage of the predicted value, the older adults were separated into 3 groups: low performance group (LP group, ISWT < 80% predicted, n = 32, 19 women), normal performance group (NP group, 80 ≤ ISWT ≤ 100% predicted, n = 30, 22 women) and high performance group (HP group, ISWT > 100% predicted, n = 95, 67 women). The HP group showed better postural balance when compared to LP groups (p < 0.001) and also higher levels of PADL measured with pedometer (p < 0.001). There was a modest correlation (r = 0.45) between exercise capacity and PADL in the LP group and a weak correlation between exercise capacity and balance (r = -28) in the HP group. Physically independent older adults with more preserved exercise capacity have better postural balance and higher levels of PADL in comparison to those older adults who show a poorer condition in terms of exercise capacity.

Smoking status and its relationship with exercise capacity, physical activity in daily life and quality of life in physically independent, elderly individuals

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between smoking status and exercise capacity, physical activity in daily life and health-related quality of life in physically independent, elderly (≥60 years) individuals. DESIGN Cross-sectional, observational study. SETTING Community-dwelling, elderly individuals. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and fifty-four elderly individuals were categorised into four groups according to their smoking status: never smokers (n=57), passive smokers (n=30), ex-smokers (n=45) and current smokers (n=22). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Exercise capacity [6-minute walk test (6MWT)], physical activity in daily life (step counting) and health-related quality of life [36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire] were assessed. RESULTS Current and ex-smokers had lower mean exercise capacity compared with never smokers: 90 [standard deviation (SD) 10] % predicted, 91 (SD 12) % predicted and 100 (SD 13) % predicted distance on 6MWT, respectively [mean differences -9.8%, 95% confidence intervals (CI) -17.8 to -1.8 and -9.1%, 95% CI -15.4 to -2.7, respectively; P<0.05 for both]. The level of physical activity did not differ between the groups, but was found to correlate negatively with the level of nicotine dependence in current smokers (r=-0.47, P=0.03). The median score for the mental health dimension of SF-36 was worse in passive {72 [interquartile range (IQR) 56 to 96] points} and current [76 (IQR 55 to 80) points] smokers compared with ex-smokers [88 (IQR 70 to 100) points] (median differences -16 points, 95% CI -22.2 to -3.0 and -12 points, 95% CI -22.8 to -2.4, respectively; P<0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS Among elderly individuals, current smokers had lower exercise capacity than never smokers. Although the level of physical activity did not differ between the groups, an association was found with smoking. Tobacco exposure was associated with worse scores for the mental health dimension of SF-36 in physically independent, elderly individuals.

Efeito de um programa de exercícios direcionados à mobilidade torácica na DPOC

BACKGROUND: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease produces mechanical changes in chest wall and this physical disability reduces the daily life activities and quality of life levels. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of an exercise program for Thoracopulmonary Complex Re-Adaptation in the chest wall mobility, exercise capacity and quality of life in COPD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen COPD patients were studied. Spirometry, Six Minutes Walk Test, Thoracic Mobility and Quality of Life by Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were the variables. The exercise program was created based on physical exercises that aim at increasing the thoracic mobility and a better exercise tolerance, as well as improving the subjective response related to quality of life. RESULTS: After a 12-week program, it was observed a significant improvement in chest wall mobility in lower chest region (xiphoid level mobility: from 3 ± 2 cm to 7 ± 4 cm; p = 0.01) and in the abdominal region (umbilical level mobility: from 2 ± 1 cm to 6 ± 4 cm; p = 0.01). There was a statistically significant improvement of exercise capacity (walk distance: from 391 ± 117 m to 442 ± 124 m; p = 0.04). In quality of life assessment by SGRQ, there was a tendency of improving in three domains (symptom: from 37 ± 22 to 26 ± 21; activity: from 64 ± 15 to 62 ± 19; and impacts: from 42 ± 16 to 38 ± 16), but with no statistic significances. CONCLUSION: Respiratory exercises aimed at increasing the chest wall mobility improve abdominal and lower chest expansibility and exercise tolerance.