Motor Control and Healthy Ageing

A special issue of European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education (ISSN 2254-9625).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 November 2023) | Viewed by 2879

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra School of Education, Rua D. João III, Solum, 3030-329 Coimbra, Portugal
2. Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
3. Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Applied Research Unit (IIA), Robocorp, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
4. Physical Activity Program for Older Adults, Arganil, Portugal
5. Instituto de Telecomunicações (TI), Delegação da Covilhã, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: eldery; motor learning and control; sports science; neuroscience; ecological dynamics; dynamical systems
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Guest Editor
Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: pilates; health & fitness settings; exercise and brain cognition; motor learning and control; active aging; healthy ageing

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Guest Editor
Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Escola Superior de Educação de Coimbra, 3030-329 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: physical activity promotion; sport education; play and early motor development; health education
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity (CIDAF), Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, 3040-256 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: development motor; motor learning and control; sports science; sport training

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Populations over the age of 55 are increasing, and by 2050, 22% of the world's population will be classed as elderly. Comprehensive knowledge of this stage of life must expand to meet the growth of this specific population. Relevant research will develop and introduce advances in sports science through studies involving motor control and the elderly, meeting the demand that science faces from an economic perspective and in relation to the health and well-being of the population (Pereira et al., 2022).

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the relationship between motor control and a life span approach to healthy ageing. Potential topics include (but are not limited to):

  • Healthy ageing;
  • Active ageing;
  • Exercise and ageing;
  • Physical fitness and elderly;
  • Learning motor skills and ageing;
  • Motor control in the elderly;
  • Quality of life through exercise and physical fitness;
  • Exercise and cognition in the elderly.

Prof. Dr. Gonçalo Dias
Prof. Mário José Pereira
Prof. Dr. Rui Mendes
Prof. Dr. Vasco Vaz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • motor behaviour
  • motor development
  • motor control
  • motor learning
  • elderly
  • ageing
  • healthy ageing

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1630 KiB  
Article
Influence of Concurrent Exercise Training on Ankle Muscle Activation during Static and Proactive Postural Control on Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Multicenter, Randomized, and Controlled Trial
by Elmoetez Magtouf, Sabri Gaied Chortane, Oussema Gaied Chortane, Sébastien Boyas, Bruno Beaune, Sylvain Durand and Wael Maktouf
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(12), 2779-2794; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13120192 - 27 Nov 2023
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Abstract
Sarcopenic obesity (SO), characterized by age-related muscle loss and excess body fat, significantly impairs postural control. However, limited research has explored the effects of concurrent exercise training on neuromuscular strategies during postural control in older adults with SO. The study enrolled 50 older [...] Read more.
Sarcopenic obesity (SO), characterized by age-related muscle loss and excess body fat, significantly impairs postural control. However, limited research has explored the effects of concurrent exercise training on neuromuscular strategies during postural control in older adults with SO. The study enrolled 50 older adults with SO, split into an intervention group (IG, n = 25, mean age = 76.1 ± 3.5 years; mean BMI = 34.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2) and a control group (CG, n = 25, mean age = 75.9 ± 5.4 years; mean BMI = 32.9 ± 2.3 kg/m2). Participants in the IG were engaged in 60-min Total Mobility Plus Program (TMP) sessions three times a week for four months, while the CG maintained their typical daily activities. Standardized evaluations were conducted both before and after the intervention. These assessments included the Romberg and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests, as well as the measurement of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacements parameters under various conditions. Additionally, ankle muscle activities were quantified during postural control evaluations and maximal voluntary contractions of plantar and dorsal flexors. Post-intervention results revealed a significant reduction of the standing time measured in the Romberg (−15.6%, p < 0.005) and TUG (−34.6%, p < 0.05) tests. Additionally, CoP area and velocity were notably reduced in various conditions (p < 0.05). Postural control improvements were associated with an increase of strength (p < 0.05) and decrease of ankle muscle activation (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the reversibility of neuromuscular system alterations associated with the synergistic effects of sarcopenia and obesity, emphasizing the trainability of postural control regulation within this population. By incorporating these insights into clinical practice and public health strategies, it seems possible to optimize the health and well-being of older adults with SO. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Healthy Ageing)
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15 pages, 300 KiB  
Article
A Qualitative Study to Explore the Life Experiences of Older Adults in Oman
by Bushra Rashid Al-Ghafri, Rawaa Abubakr Abuelgassim Eltayib, Zahir Badar Al-Ghusaini, Maram Qasim Al-Nabhani, Abdulaziz Al-Mahrezi, Yaqoub Al-Saidi, Hamed Al-Sinawi, Ahmed Mohammed Al-Harrasi and Moon Fai Chan
Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2023, 13(10), 2135-2149; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13100150 - 03 Oct 2023
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Abstract
Background: Reminiscence studies and life reviews have a number of proven advantages. Future generations gain by learning from elders’ life experiences, as do older adults themselves who share their memories. Despite Oman’s sizable geriatric population, research on older individuals’ life experiences is scarce. [...] Read more.
Background: Reminiscence studies and life reviews have a number of proven advantages. Future generations gain by learning from elders’ life experiences, as do older adults themselves who share their memories. Despite Oman’s sizable geriatric population, research on older individuals’ life experiences is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the life experiences of older Omani individuals across their many life stages, from childhood to the present. Methods: This was a qualitative study design. Convenience sampling was employed and conducted from December 2021 to October 2022. A total of 13 Omani older adults (9 females and 4 males), with an average age of 68 years, were recruited for this study (response rate = 34%). Socio-demographic and life review information was gathered according to a set of semi-structured guiding questions. The responses were then captured on audio recordings, which underwent transcription and translation. Thematic analysis techniques were applied to the extracted data. Results: Three main themes were evident in this study’s findings: childhood memories, friendships, and relationships, as well as the elders’ past. Additionally, older adults passed on a number of gems of wisdom to be shared with the younger generations. Conclusions: This study aided in revealing the resiliency, social connections, and life reflections of Omani older adults. These themes can guide the creation of age-inclusive laws, social support initiatives, and healthcare services specifically designed to satisfy the special requirements and ambitions of the elderly population. Based on these themes, this study recommended that the local community or society build a more sympathetic and compassionate atmosphere that honors and respects the accomplishments of this essential group by recognizing and comprehending the complex experiences of older adults. In addition, future studies could explore particular aspects of these older experiences and pinpoint solutions to improve their quality of life and wellbeing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Motor Control and Healthy Ageing)
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