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Background: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of protein supplementation and resistance training (RT), compared with RT alone or combined with a placebo, in improving gait speed. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus databases, and 18 randomized controlled trials with 1,147 older participants were included for meta-analysis. Data were pooled as the effect sizes (Hedges’ g) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of the gait speed (in meters per second). The random-effect meta-analysis, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Results: The combination of protein supplementation and RT significantly improved gait speed (Hedges’ g: 0.52 m/s, 95% confidence interval [0.17, 0.86], p = .005; I ²  = 86.5%) compared with the RT alone. The subgroup analyses revealed that the significant improvement in gait speed postprotein intervention plus RT was observed only in participants who consumed protein after RT (Hedges’ g: 0.90 m/s, 95% confidence interval [0.46, 1.33], p = .001; I ²  = 79.6%). The pooled result did not significantly change after excluding any single study at one time or excluding smaller studies with large effect sizes. Conclusions: Protein supplementation combined with RT could significantly improve the gait speed of older adults compared with RT alone. This positive effect is more pronounced in people who consume protein after RT.

The Performance Index (P-Index) is a measure for evaluating mobility-related dual-task performance in older adults. The identification of specific clinicodemographic factors predictive of P-Index scores, however, remains unclear. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 120 community-dwelling older adults (average age 71.3 ± 11.23 years) to explore clinicodemographic variables that influence P-Index scores during the instrumented timed up and go test. Unadjusted analyses suggested several factors, including age, gender, body mass index, Mini-Mental Status Examination scores, functional reach test performance, history of falls, ethnicity, Geriatric Depression Scale scores, alcohol consumption, and educational levels, as potential predictors of P-Index. However, adjusted multinomial multiple regression analysis revealed Geriatric Depression Scale and Mini-Mental Status Examination scores as the exclusive independent predictors of P-Index classifications, segmented into high, intermediate, or low (percentiles ≤ 25, 26–74, or ≥ 75, respectively). A significant association was observed between the manifestation of depressive symptoms, lower Mini-Mental Status Examination scores, and reduced cognitive–motor performance. The findings implicate depressive symptoms and low cognitive performance as substantial impediments to optimal dual-task mobility within this cohort. Further studies are warranted to examine the efficacy of cognitive stimulation and antidepressant therapy, in augmenting mobility-related dual-task performance among older adults.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of multicomponent training on adropin, endothelial function, insulin resistance, and sleep quality in overweight older adults. In this randomized controlled study, 40 overweight older adults were randomly divided into training and control groups. The multicomponent training program including aerobic, resistance, and balance exercise was followed for 8 weeks, 3 days a week. Study variables were measured 48 hr before and after the intervention. After 8 weeks of multicomponent training, adropin (p = .01), nitric oxide (p = .01), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max; p = .002) increased, and glucose (p = .001), insulin (p = .001), insulin resistance (p = .01), systolic blood pressure (p = .01), and sleep disorders (p = .01) decreased significantly. Also, Pearson’s test results showed a significant inverse relationship between adropin level (p = .01 and r = −.55) and glucose (p = .01 and r = −.51) with sleep disorders. It seems that multicomponent training increases adropin and improves insulin resistance, endothelial function, and sleep quality in older adults.

Background: Detraining is the partial or complete loss of physical training-induced adaptations as a result of exercise interruption or reduction. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the discontinuation of many older adult exercise programs and led to increased depressive symptoms (DS), increased sedentary behavior (SB), and decreased quality of life (QoL). Objective: To evaluate the effects of detraining, in the pandemic, on physical capacity and its relationship with DS, QoL, and SB of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The physical capacity (static balance, dynamic balance, and lower limb and handgrip strength) of 35 participants was assessed prepandemic and after 18 and 24 months of the pandemic. DS, QoL, and SB were evaluated only at 18-month period. The analysis of variance for repeated measures or the Friedman and Pearson or Spearman tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: There was a decline in dynamic balance (p < .001) and strength in the lower limbs (p < .001) in the first 18 months, as well as maintenance in the following 6 months. The reduction in dynamic balance during the 18 months of the pandemic was associated with greater DS (p = .015; r = .414) and worse QoL (p = .024; r = −.381) in this period. More time spent on SB (p = .024; r = .386) in the 18th month was associated with worse dynamic balance in the following 6 months. Conclusion: Detraining in the pandemic setting led to long-lasting harmful effects, which can last for 2 years, on the physical capacity of community-dwelling older adults. Implication: Our findings highlight how periods of detraining can interfere in physical and mental health of older adults.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of aquatic exercise on physical performance in older adults. Databases were searched up to July 2021. Randomized controlled trials were screened by two reviewers, who extracted data and assessed study quality. Ten randomized controlled trials (603 participants) were included. Compared with nonexercising controls, aquatic exercise probably improved lower limb muscle power (30-s Chair Stand Test; mean difference 4.75 repetitions; 95% confidence interval [0.07, 9.42]; I ² = 99%; 251 participants; very low-quality evidence). When comparing aquatic exercise with land exercise, there is probably no superiority in favor of either intervention on dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go Test; mean difference −0.12 s; 95% confidence interval [−0.37, 0.12]; I ² = 3%; 244 participants; very low-quality evidence).

Background/Objectives: Engagement in sport offers the potential for improved physical and psychological well-being and has been shown to be beneficial for promoting healthy aging. Opportunities for older adults to (re)engage with sport are limited by a paucity of age-appropriate introductory sports intervention programs. As such, the study evaluated the efficacy of a newly designed 8-week badminton training program (Shuttle Time for Seniors) on markers of healthy aging and the lived experiences of participation. Methods: Forty-three older adults assigned to a control (N = 20) or intervention group (N = 23) completed pre–post assessment of physical and cognitive function, self-efficacy for exercise, and well-being. Focus groups were conducted for program evaluation and to understand barriers and enablers to sustained participation. Results: Those in the intervention group increased upper body strength, aerobic fitness, coincidence anticipation time, and self-efficacy for exercise. Objectively improved physical and cognitive functions were corroborated by perceived benefits indicated in thematic analysis. Shuttle Time for Seniors was perceived as appropriate for the population, where the age-appropriate opportunity to participate with likeminded people of similar ability was a primary motivator to engagement. Despite willingness to continue playing, lack of badminton infrastructure was a primary barrier to continued engagement. Conclusion: Shuttle Time for Seniors offered an important opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with badminton, where the physical and psychosocial benefits of group-based badminton improved facets important to healthy aging. Significance/Implications: Age-appropriate introductory intervention programs provide opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with sport. However, important barriers to long-term engagement need to be addressed from a whole systems perspective.