Shaghayegh Hashemi Motlagh; Zahra Alam; Amir Dana; Sima Mokari Saei
Abstract
Background: While the beneficial effects of PA on the mental and physical well-being of elderly individuals are recognized, there has been little focus on its effects on older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to examine the correlations between ...
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Background: While the beneficial effects of PA on the mental and physical well-being of elderly individuals are recognized, there has been little focus on its effects on older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to examine the correlations between physical activity (PA) and depression, perceived health, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) among older women with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).Methods: This study employed a descriptive-correlation design. The statistical population comprised women with MCI (scoring 21 to 24 on the Mini–Mental State Examination) over 65 years residing in nursing homes in Tehran, Iran in 2023. The sample of this study consisted of 334 women (mean age=69.12±3.68) with MCI who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Standard tools were utilized for measuring PA, depression, balance, muscle strength, and QoL, respectively. Perceived health status was assessed using one item. Pearson correlation test and independent t-test were employed for data analysis.Results: The results showed that 66% of the entire sample suffered from depression. The participants engaged, on average, in 14.69 minutes of moderate physical activity (MPA) per day. Only 22% of the participants met the WHO’s guidelines of 30 minutes of MPA daily. It was found that higher MPA was significantly correlated with lower depression (P<0.001) and higher perceived health, physical function (both balance and muscle strength), and QoL (all P<0.001). On the other hand, higher sedentary time was significantly correlated with higher depression (P<0.001) and lower perceived health, physical function (both balance and muscle strength), and QoL (all P<0.001).Conclusions: The results suggested that strategies to improve health-oriented PA status in the elderly with MCI are necessary. In this regard, it is especially recommended that nurses plan recreational physical and sports activities for the elderly in groups or individually so that they can enjoy the benefits of PA.
Zeinab Hooshmandi; Farhad Daryanoosh; Javad Nemati; Reza Jalli
Abstract
Background: Aging is an inevitable physiological process leading to a progressive decrease in muscle mass and function, which is called sarcopenia. Correspondingly, this study aimed to investigate the effect of High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training (HIIRT) on certain sarcopenia-related factors ...
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Background: Aging is an inevitable physiological process leading to a progressive decrease in muscle mass and function, which is called sarcopenia. Correspondingly, this study aimed to investigate the effect of High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training (HIIRT) on certain sarcopenia-related factors in elderly women. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study in which thirty elderly women aged 60 to 70 years, from April to September 2020, volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Body Mass Index (BMI), Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass (ASM), Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (ASMI), and body fat percentage were measured using bioelectric impedance analysis; handgrip strength was measured via Jamar dynamometer; walking speed was measured employing six-meter walking test (6MWT); IGF-1 level (μg/L) was measured with Mediagnost kit (Germany) and serum myostatin level (ng/L) was measured using ELISA kit from R&D Company (USA) via Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay )ELISA( method in two stages: pre-test (week 0) and post-test (end of week 8). Independent t-test was subsequently utilized to assess the research variables through SPSS software version 23 at 0.05 level of significance. Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in body fat percentage (1.05±0.79, p <0.001) and Myostatin (MSTN) (87.25±82.38, p <0.01) and a significant increase in handgrip strength (-08.58±4.50, p <0.001), ASM (-4.91±0.28, p <0.001), ASMI (-0.19±0.11, p <0.001), and 6MWT (-0.42±0.26, p <0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control. There was also an increase in IGF-1 (-0.83±2.90, P=0.88), yet it was not significant. Conclusion: The major components indicative of sarcopenia were improved through High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training. Therefore, HIIRT appeared to be one of the most important coping strategies for reduction of muscle mass and strength in older women. We could thus conclude that it is necessary for the elderly to do this type of training.
