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- Impact of aquatic-based physical exercise programmes on risk markers of cardiometabolic diseases in old people: a study protocol of randomized-controlled trialsPublication . Ferreira, José Pedro; Teixeira, Ana; Serrano, João; Farinha, Carlos; Santos, Helder; Silva, Fernanda; Rusenhack, Marcio CascanteCardiometabolic diseases are one of the primary causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide and sedentary lifestyles are contributing factors to these pathologies. Physical exercise has been recognized as an important tool in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. However, there are still some doubts about the efficacy of certain type of physical exercise programs for older participants. The main goal of this study is to assess the impact of different aquatic-based physical exercise programs on risk markers of cardiometabolic diseases in older people. The study group will consist of non-institutionalized individuals, within the age group of 65 or older. The sample will be randomly divided into four groups, three experimental groups (EG) and one control group (CG). Participants fromthe EGs will be exposed to three physical aquatic-based exercise programs for a period of 28 weeks (continuous aerobic, interval aerobic and combined). The evaluated parameters include anthropometry, physical functions, mental health, cognitive function, carotid arteries intima-media thickness, heart rate variability and biochemical markers. The results will allow an interpretation of the impact of different aquatic-based physical exercise programs on cardiometabolic diseases markers and can also be used as a tool for professionals to prescribe adequate and more efficient physical exercise programs.
- Níveis de aptidão física de idosos praticantes de hidroginásticaPublication . Serrano, João; Farinha, Carlos; Petrica, João; Mesquita, Helena; Paulo, Rui; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Honório, Samuel; Batista, Marco; Faustino, AntónioConsiderando que a prática de hidroginástica pode contribuir para um envelhecimento mais ativo e saudável. O estudo teve como objetivo conhecer o impacto das aulas de hidroginástica frequentadas ao longo de 4 meses na aptidão física dos idosos. A amostra foi constituída por 83 idosos, utentes das aulas de hidroginástica e foi dividida em 3 grupos tendo em conta o número de aulas frequentadas (Menos de 15; 15 a 25; mais de 25). Para a recolha de dados usamos a bateria de testes Funcional Fitness Test (Rikli & Jones, 1999). A aptidão física foi avaliada pelo investigador seguindo o protocolo de provas, sendo os testes aplicados numa sala adequada para o efeito e pela mesma ordem nos dois momentos (início e final do estudo com um intervalo de 4 meses). Quanto às provas estatísticas, não se verificando uma distribuição normal dos dados, aplicamos o teste não paramétrico para duas variáveis emparelhadas de Wilcoxon que nos permitiu verificar as diferenças entre os dois momentos de avaliação. Os resultados revelaram melhorias em praticamente todos os testes entre a 1ª e a 2ª avaliação. No teste levantar e sentar na cadeira o nº de repetições passou de 13,40 para 14,43, no teste flexão do antebraço passou de 18,24 repetições para 18,92, no teste sentado e alcançar a média apesar de ser negativa, passou de -5,47 cm para -3,46, no teste sentado, caminhar 2,44 metros e voltar a sentar passou de 6,40 segundos para 6,31, no teste, alcançar atrás das costas passou de -17,07 cm para -15,61cm. Encontramos melhorias estatisticamente significativas no teste levantar e sentar na cadeira (sig. = 0,011), no teste sentado e alcançar (sig. = 0,001) e no teste alcançar atrás das costas (sig. = 0,001). O número de aulas frequentadas ao longo dos 4 meses entre os grupos não se mostrou diferenciadora para a melhoria obtida. O 1º grupo apresentou melhorias significativas em 3 provas (levantar e sentar na cadeira (sig. = 0,006), no teste sentado e alcançar (sig. = 0,004) e no teste alcançar atrás das costas (sig. = 0,002)).O 2º grupo apresentou melhorias significativas apenas numa prova (alcançar atrás das costas (sig. = 0,023)) e o 3º grupo apresentou melhorias significativas apenas numa prova (sentado e alcançar (sig. = 0,002)). Conclusões: prática de hidroginástica teve um impacto positivo na melhoria dos resultados da aptidão física nos idosos e o número de aulas frequentado não se mostrou diferenciador nos resultados obtidos.
- Motivation and physical fitness in old people participating in a hydro-gymnasticsPublication . Farinha, Carlos; Ferreira, José Pedro; Serrano, JoãoIntroduction: The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the motivations and the impact of the hydro-gymnastics in the physical fitness of old people involved in a 16 weeks exercise program. Methods: Participants were 83 old people doing a community hydro-gymnastics exercise program. Motivations were assessed using the Sport Activity Motivation Questionnaire and physical fitness was evaluated using the Functional Fitness Test battery, in two separate moments with a 16 weeks interval. The assumption of normality was checked using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the group in different time moments. Results: Regarding motivations to hydro-gymnastics the items that scored higher were: “need to exercise”, “be with friends”, “make new friends” and “fun”. In terms of physical fitness variation, improvements in average were found in practically all fitness test between the 1st and 2nd evaluation, with significant statistical differences in 3 of the 5 tests applied. Conclusions: Old people´s major motives to participate in hydro-gymnastics are related to the motivational dimensions of physical fitness, general affiliation and pleasure. Additionally, hydro-gymnastics exercise programs have a positive impact to improve physical fitness in old people and play a determinant role on health promotion and successful aging.
- Effects of combined training during the COVID-19 pandemic on metabolic health and quality of life in sedentary workers : a randomized controlled studyPublication . Silva, Fernanda M.; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Carvalho, Eugénia; Soares, Carlos M.; Farinha, Carlos; Serrano, João; Paulo, Rui; Massart, Alain; Rodrigues, Rafael N.; Teixeira, Ana; Ferreira, José PedroThis study aimed to analyze the effects of a combined training (CT) program performed during the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on body composition, metabolic profile, quality of life and stress in sedentary workers, and examines whether changes in the metabolic profile are associated with changes in health-related outcomes which are modifiable by exercise. We evaluated 31 sedentary workers (48.26 ± 7.89 years old). Participants were randomly assigned to a CT group (i.e., performed 16 weeks of exercise) or to a non-exercise control group. The CT program consisted of 16-week of resistance and aerobic exercise. Body composition, glycemic and lipidic profiles, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), health-related quality of life and stress levels were assessed pre- and post-intervention. After the intervention period, the CT group demonstrated significantly lower waist and hip circumference (p < 0.05) values than the control group. The control group significantly increased the fasting glucose and HOMA-IR after 16 weeks follow-up (+4.74 mg/dL, p = 0.029; and +0.41 units, p = 0.010, respectively), whiles no significant changes were observed in the CT group in the same parameters (+3.33 mg/dL, p = 0.176; and +0.04 units, p = 0.628, respectively). No changes were observed in the lipid profile for either group (p > 0.05). A significant positive relationship was detected between the change in BMI with the changes in insulin and HOMA-IR (r = 0.643, p = 0.024; and r = 0.605, p = 0.037, respectively). In addition, the changes in CRF were negatively associated with the changes in total cholesterol (r = −0.578, p = 0.049). We observed differences between groups on perceived stress levels and physical, psychological, and environmental domains of quality of life, with the CT group showing better results. Moreover, the CT group improved perceived life satisfaction (+3.17 points, p = 0.038). The findings of the present study suggest that the participants who remained physically active during the first pandemic-related lockdown were able to mitigate the deleterious effects associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
- The impact of aquatic exercise programs on the intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries, hemodynamic parameters, lipid profile and chemokines of community-dwelling older persons: a randomized controlled trialPublication . Farinha, Carlos; Santos, Helder; Serrano, João; Oliveiros, Bárbara; Silva, Fernanda; Cascante-Rusenhack, Marcio; Teixeira, Ana; Ferreira, José PedroScientific evidence has shown that physical exercise is an effective way of improving several cardiovascular disease markers. However, few studies have tested its effectiveness whenperformed in aquatic environments. The purpose of this study was to test the impact of different aquatic exercise programs on the intima-media thickness of carotid arteries (IMT) and hemodynamic and biochemical markers of cardiovascular diseases in community-dwelling older persons. A total of 102 participants were randomly allocated into four groups: an aerobic exercise group (AerG) (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); an aerobic interval group (IntG) (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); a combined group (ComG) (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years); and a control group (CG) (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). The AerG, IntG, and ComG participants took part in three different aquatic exercise programs for 28 weeks. The CG participants maintained their usual routines. All participants were evaluated for IMT, blood pressure, lipid profile, and MCP-1 and MIP-1α chemokines, pre- and post-intervention. Significant differences were found in the AerG for diastolic diameter (DD), in the IntG for peak systolic velocity (PSV), and in the ComG for DD and end-diastolic velocity (EDV). Regarding blood pressure, significant differences were found in AerG for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP); in IntG for DBP; and in ComG for SBP, DBP, and heart rate (HR). Significant differences were found in the AerG and IntG for glucose (GLU). Lower plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1α) were found in the AerG and in the ComG for MCP-1 after the intervention. Aquatic physical exercise appears to improve cardiovascular health, regardless of the type of the program adopted. Aerobic programs (combined and continuous aerobic exercises) seemed to have a more beneficial effect in reducing important cardiovascular risk markers.
- The impact of aquatic exercise programs on the immunologic profile of community dwelling older persons: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Publication . Farinha, Carlos; Ferreira, José Pedro; Serrano, João; Santos, Helder; Oliveiros, Bárbara; Silva, Fernanda; Cascante-Rusenhack, Marcio; Teixeira, AnaEvidence shows that physical exercise is important in maintaining an efficient immune system during ageing. However, there are few studies that test the impact of aquatic exercise programs on the immune system. This study aims to analyze the impact of different physical exercise programs in aquatic environment on the systemic hematological and inflammatory markers of community dwelling elderly. One hundred and two elderly were randomly allocated into four groups: a continuous aerobic exercise group (AerG) (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); an interval aerobic exercise group (IntG) (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); a combined exercise group (ComG) (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years); a control group (CG) (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). The AerG, IntG and ComG participants took part in three different aquatic exercise programs over a 28- weeks period. The CG participants maintained their usual routines during the same time period. Blood samples were collected from all participants in order to access hematologic indicators, by means of cell count, and the inflammatory profile by ELISA. After 28 weeks, significant differences were found for several hematologic variables in the AerG, IntG and ComG with increases in mean corpuscular hemoglobulin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobulin concentration (MCHC), and hemoglobulin (Hb). Decreases in TNF-α levels were found for all exercising groups. An increase in IL-10 levels, granulocytes to lymphocytes ratio (GLR) and a decrease in the TNF-α/IL 10 ratio, were found for the IntG. For the ComG decreases were also found for the TNF-α, IL-1ß/IL-1ra ratios. The present study suggests that aquatic exercise programs were able to improve the inflammatory profile of the participants. Those in the exercise intervention groups showed a shift towards lower pro-inflammatory levels while the non-exercising group showed the opposite behaviour. The IntG and the ComG aquatic exercise programs appeared to be more effective than the AerG program in decreasing chronic low-grade inflammation by mediating the production of higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the differences found between the exercising groups were small and may not have clinical significance.
- Correlation between the aerobic capacity, grip strength and cognition function and cardiometabolic diseases risk markers in the non-institutionalized old adults: a cross-sectional analysisPublication . Farinha, Carlos; Teixeira, Ana; Serrano, João; Santos, Helder; Silva, Fernanda; Cascante-Rusenhack, Marcio; Paulo, Luis; Ferreira, José PedroThe elderly population is constantly growing worldwide. One of the characteristics of aging is the decrease in functional fitness and cognitive function, leading to the appearance of cardiometabolic disorders. Methodology: The aim of this study is to verify the association between aerobic capacity, handgrip strength and cognition with risk markers for cardiometabolic diseases and mental health in community dwelling elderly. The study consists of a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a 28-week randomized controlled trial, with a sample of 102 participants (mean age 72.32 ± 5.25 years). The sample was evaluated for anthropometry, functional fitness, heart rate variability, carotid artery intima and mean thickness (IMT), cognitive function, mental health and biochemical markers. Correlations were evaluated using Pearson's statistical analysis and interpreted according to Cohen's (1988). Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between aerobic capacity (2m-ST) and markers of functional, cardiovascular, biochemical, cognitive function and mental health fitness. Handgrip strength (HG) was statistically significantly correlated with anthropometric measurements, various indicators of functional fitness, biochemical markers, cognitive function, and mental health variables. Finally, cognitive function (MMSE) was correlated with anthropometric measures, functional fitness, cardiovascular and biochemical markers, and mental health. These data suggest that aerobic capacity, handgrip strength and cognitive function may be hypothetically associated with cardiovascular disease risk markers.
- Auto perceção do estado de saúde, aptidão física e motivação para a prática de hidroginástica por parte de idososPublication . Farinha, Carlos; Serrano, João Júlio de MatosConsiderando que a prática de hidroginástica pode contribuir para um envelhecimento mais ativo e saudável, o presente estudo tem como objetivo conhecer a auto perceção do estado de saúde de idosos, as motivações para a prática de hidroginástica e perceber qual o impacto dessas aulas nos seus níveis de aptidão física tendo em conta o número de aulas frequentadas ao longo de 4 meses. A amostra foi constituída por 83 idosos, utentes das aulas de hidroginástica da Piscina Municipal da Sertã. Para avaliar a aptidão física a amostra foi dividida em 3 grupos tendo em conta o número de aulas frequentadas (Menos de 15; 15 a 25; mais de 25). Para a recolha de dados foram aplicados 2 questionários (Questionário de motivação para as atividades desportivas (QMAD) e o questionário Mos Short Health Survey – 36 itens versão 2 (SF-36)) e a bateria de testes Funcional Fitness Test (Rikli & Jones, 1999). Os questionários foram preenchidos no início do estudo pelos idosos numa sala com a presença do investigador. A aptidão física foi avaliada pelo investigador seguindo o protocolo de provas, sendo os testes aplicados numa sala adequada para o efeito e pela mesma ordem nos dois momentos (início e final do estudo com um intervalo de 4 meses). Os resultados demonstraram, que os idosos tem limitações em realizar tarefas mais exigentes e complexas devido ao seu estado de saúde, que o mesmo foi considerado razoável não interferindo no tempo gasto a trabalhar, mas apenas na realização de alguns trabalhos e não interferindo nos relacionamentos sociais. Os idosos referiram que se sentem a maior parte do tempo calmos e tranquilos e por isso felizes. Em relação às motivações para a prática de hidroginástica os que assumiram um grau de maior importância foram necessidade de fazer exercício, estarem com os amigos, fazer novas amizades e o divertimento. Quanto à aptidão física, houve melhorias dos resultados em praticamente todos os testes entre a 1ª e a 2ª avaliação. O número de aulas frequentadas ao longo dos 4 meses entre os grupos não se mostrou diferenciadora para a melhoria obtida entre os mesmos. Concluímos que a perceção do estado de saúde dos idosos que fizeram parte da amostra é considerado normal para a sua idade, que há fatores mais importantes que outros que os levam a praticar hidroginástica e que essa prática teve um impacto positivo na melhoria dos resultados da aptidão física embora o número de aulas frequentado não tenha tido uma influência direta nesses resultados.
- Impact of different aquatic exercise programs on body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function of non-institutionalized elderly adults : a randomized controlled trialPublication . Farinha, Carlos; Teixeira, Ana Maria; Serrano, João; Santos, Helder; Campos, Maria João; Oliveiros, Bárbara; Silva, Fernanda; Rusenhack, Márcio; Luis, Paulo; Ferreira, José PedroAquatic physical exercise programs have become progressively more popular among elderly people. Some of the major physical exercise program disadvantages on land are minimized due to the specific properties of the aquatic environment. The purpose of the present randomized controlled study is to verify the effects of different aquatic physical exercise programs on body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function in non-institutionalized elderly people. For this study, 102 elderly individuals were randomly allocated into four different groups: AerG (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); IntG (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); ComG (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years) and CG (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). Individuals from the groups AerG, IntG and ComG participated in three different aquatic physical exercise programs for a period of 28 weeks. The CG participants kept to their usual routines. All participants were evaluated for body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function at two time moments, i.e., pre- (M1) and post-intervention (M2). Significant differences for body composition were found between M1 and M2 for FM (p < 0.001), LBM (p < 0.001) and WCir (p < 0.01) in the AerG, for BMI (p < 0.05), FM (p < 0.05), LBM (p < 0.001) and LCir-R (p < 0.05) in the IntG, and for WGT (p < 0.01), FM (p < 0.05), LBM (p < 0.01), LCir-R (p < 0.05) and LCir-L (p < 0.01) in the ComG groups. For functional fitness, differences were found between M1 and M2 for 2m-ST (p < 0.000), 30s-CS (p < 0.000), 30s-AC (p < 0.05), HG-T-R (p < 0.000) and HG-T-L (p < 0.000) in the AerG, for 2m-ST (p < 0.05), BS-R (p < 0.05), 30s-CS (p < 0.000), 30s-AC(p < 0.01), HG-T-R (p < 0.000) and HG-T-L (p < 0.000) in the IntG, and for 30s-CS (p < 0.000), HG-T-R (p < 0.000) and HG-T-L (p < 0.000) in the ComG groups. The present study evidenced the beneficial effects of physical exercise in an aquatic environment on body composition, functional fitness and cognitive function in non-institutionalized elderly adults. The ComG water-based exercise program showed more beneficial effects in the improvement of body composition and cognitive function variables, while the IntG and AerG programs were more effective in the improvement of functional fitness.
- Changes in metabolic and inflammatory markers after a combined exercise program in workers : a randomized controlled trialPublication . Silva, Fernanda; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Ferreira, José P.; Carvalho, Eugénia; Monteiro, Diogo; Massart, Alain; Farinha, Carlos; Soares, Carlos M.; Teixeira, AnaPurpose: We investigated the effects of a 16-week combined exercise training on body composition, metabolic and inflammatory markers in sedentary middle-aged workers. We also assessed whether significant alterations in metabolic markers were associated with changes in health-related outcomes. Methods: This randomized controlled trial involved 46 participants randomly allocated into control and exercise groups. The exercise group performed 16-week combined aerobic and resistance training for 75 min/session, 3 times/week. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 16-week intervention to determine lipid profile, metabolic and inflammatory markers as primary outcomes. Results: A total of 36 participants completed the intervention (53.70 ± 6.92 years old) (n = 18 in each group). Waist circumference (interaction effect: F = 7.423, p = 0.002), fat mass (interaction effect: F = 5.070, p = 0.011), and muscle mass (interaction effect: F = 5.420, p = 0.007) were improved in the exercise group compared to the control group. Fasting glucose increased after the 16-week follow-up (time effect: F = 73.253, p < 0.001), without an intergroup difference. Insulin levels were greater in the control compared to exercise group (group effect: F = 6.509, p = 0.015). The control group tended to increase the HOMA-IR index (interaction effect: F = 3.493, p = 0.070) and to decrease the QUICKI index (interaction effect: F = 3.364, p = 0.075) to a greater extent compared to the exercise group. Exercise group reduced leptin (interaction effect: F = 11.175, p = 0.002) and adiponectin (interaction effect: F = 4.437, p = 0.043) concentrations in a greater magnitude than control group. IL-6 (time effect: F = 17.767, p < 0.001) and TNF-α (time effect: F = 9.781, p = 0.004) concentrations decreased after the intervention, without an intergroup difference. IL-17A levels increased in the control compared to exercise group (interaction effect: F = 5.010, p = 0.033). Effects on adiponectin, IL-6 and IL-17A levels seem to depend on baseline BMI, age, and sex. Percentage changes in leptin correlated positively with changes in HOMA-IR index in the exercise (r = 0.565, p = 0.015) and control (r = 0.670, p = 0.002) groups. Conclusions: A combined training program can be an effective strategy to improve body composition and inflammatory markers and prevent marked reductions in insulin sensitivity among middle-aged workers.