Search Results (258)

Background: Meniere’s disease is characterized by a triad of vertigo episodes, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus. The disease is followed by a loss of quality of life in patients, with the severity depending on the individual and the stage of the disease. Since there are no quantitatively validated tests that connect all elements of the disease, the only source of subjective data that can be analyzed is the disease diary and questionnaires, among which the MDPOSI (Meniere’s Disease Patient-Oriented Symptom-Severity Index) stands out as a designated quality-of-life assessment tool. This study aims to evaluate the differences in the questionnaire depending on the clinical characteristics of the disease. Methods: The study recruited 60 patients, with clinical variables including age, gender, disease laterality, caloric testing results, and PTA results, the presence of spontaneous nystagmus, pathological values of calorimetric testing, or rotatory chair testing abnormalities. Results: The appearance of spontaneous nystagmus showed a significant association with worse hearing threshold values at 500 Hz (p = 0.036, OR 4.416) and higher. Worse SRT scores correlated with Q1 (p = 0.011), Q2 (p = 0.028), Q4 (p = 0.045), Q5 (p = 0.013), and the total MDPOSI score (p = 0.008, 0.339). Multivariate analysis showed that a higher total value of the MDPOSI questionnaire was statistically significantly associated with older age (p = 0.042) and spontaneous nystagmus (p = 0.037). Conclusions: There is a correlation between the clinical characteristics of Meniere’s disease and the MDPOSI questionnaire, making it useful for assessing quality of life and disease progression. Full article

This pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—provided in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine:isoleucine:valine—combined with exercise on fatigue, physical performance, and quality of life in older adults. Twenty participants (63% female; BMI: 35 ± 2 kg/m²; age: 70.5 ± 1.2 years) were randomized to 8 weeks of either exercise + BCAAs (100 mg/kg body weight/d) or exercise + placebo. The program included moderate aerobic and resistance training three times weekly. Physical function was assessed using handgrip strength, chair stands, gait speed, VO₂ max, and a 400 m walk. Psychological health was evaluated using the CES-D, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and global pain, fatigue, and quality of life using a visual analog scale (VAS). Significant group x time interactions were found for handgrip strength (p = 0.03), chair stands (p < 0.01), and 400 m walk time (p < 0.01). Compared to exercise + placebo, exercise + BCAAs showed greater improvements in strength, mobility, and endurance, along with reductions in fatigue (−45% vs. +92%) and depressive symptoms (−29% vs. +5%). Time effects were also observed for ISI (−30%), FAS (−21%), and VAS quality of life (16%) following exercise + BCAA supplementation. These preliminary results suggest that BCAAs combined with exercise may be an effective way to improve physical performance and reduce fatigue and depressive symptoms in older adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malnutrition in older adults is both preventable and treatable, yet its detection and etiology remain complex. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and various factors involved in the etiology of malnutrition in community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older in a health center in Ağrı, Türkiye. The nutritional status of older adults was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and a series of validated instruments, including the Standardized Mini Mental Examination (MMSE), body composition measurements (BIA), dietary intake records, and physical performance tests such as hand grip strength, chair stand, and Timed ‘Up & Go’ (TUG) Test. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests for group comparisons and logistic regression to investigate independent factors associated with risk of malnutrition. Results: A total of 182 participants were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 72.1 ± 6.0 years. Of the participants, 59.3% were male. 1.6% of the participants were malnourished, and 25.3% were at risk of malnutrition. Perceived health status compared to peers (OR: 1.734, 95% CI: 1.256–2.392, p = 0.001), lower appetite status (OR: 1.942, 95% CI: 1.459–2.585, p < 0.001) and lower waist circumference (OR: 1.089, 95% CI: 1.040–1.140, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of malnutrition risk. Conclusions: The risk of malnutrition was higher among individuals with lower appetite, poorer self-perceived health status compared to peers, and smaller waist circumference. Reduced physical function and strength were also associated with an increased risk of malnutrition. Full article

Sarcopenia is a musculoskeletal, progressive, and generalized disease characterized by decreased muscle strength and mass, leading to reduced quality of life. Sarcopenia is directly related to age, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12-week progressive intensity Resistance Training (RT) associated with nutritional advice on the frequency of sarcopenia in older adults. A total of 74 older adults (37 in the intervention group and 37 in the control group), with a mean age of 69.1 ± 6.85 years, were included in the study. The sarcopenia status of the participants was assessed at baseline and after a 12-week intervention. In the intervention group, resistance training combined with nutritional counseling reduced the prevalence of sarcopenia from 35.14% to 0% (p < 0.001). Additionally, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in handgrip strength (from 27.70 ± 10.71 to 30.24 ± 10.38 kg), chair stand test performance (from 14.04 ± 3.46 to 11.67 ± 1.80 s), and time up and go test (from 7.49 ± 1.20 to 6.74 ± 0.95 s) (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the control group increased the incidence of sarcopenia (p < 0.001). After 12 weeks, progressive intensity RT associated with nutritional advice proved to be an effective treatment to reverse sarcopenia and help participants remain non-sarcopenic. In addition, the results of this study provide information about efficient and non-pharmacological sarcopenia treatment. Full article

Background: Interventions involving Olympic combat sports, such as Taekwondo (TKD) and Boxing (BOX), represent innovative approaches for promoting health in older people. Elastic bands training (EBT), by contrast, is a safe and cost-effective method that has demonstrated positive effects on functional physical parameters in this population. This study aimed to compare the effects of TKD and BOX interventions, relative to EBT, on body composition and physical function in Chilean older women. Methods: This randomized controlled trial comprised three parallel groups: TKD (n = 10), BOX (n = 10), and EBT (n = 10). Participants in each group underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments following two 60 min sessions per week over an eight-week period. Results: Multiple comparisons revealed significant advantages for EBT over TKD and BOX in maximal isometric handgrip strength for both the dominant (p < 0.001; d = 0.967, large effect) and non-dominant (p < 0.001; d = 0.641, moderate effect) hands. Conversely, significant improvements in Timed Up-and-Go performance were observed in the TKD and BOX groups compared to EBT (p < 0.001; d = 2.071, large effect). All groups showed significant within-group improvements in the 30 s chair stand test (p < 0.001; d = 0.095, large effect). No significant changes were found in body fat percentage, fat-free mass, back scratch test, sit-and-reach test, or 2 min step test across groups. Conclusions: Although no substantial differences were observed between groups for most variables, TKD and BOX interventions significantly reduced Timed Up-and-Go times, whereas EBT enhanced maximal isometric handgrip strength in both hands. These findings highlight the distinct functional benefits of each intervention modality for older Chilean women. Full article

This study evaluated the differential effects of an advanced Vivifrail D-level exercise intervention on arterial stiffness, functional fitness, and body composition in robust older women with varying baseline fitness levels. A total of 41 participants were assigned to a higher-fitness group (HFG, n = 22) or a lower-fitness group (LFG, n = 19) based on their 30 s chair stand performance. Over 12 weeks, both groups completed five weekly sessions incorporating strength, balance, aerobic, and dual-task elements. Significant within-group improvements were observed in the arm curl test (HFG: p = 0.031; LFG: p = 0.002), chair stand (LFG: p < 0.001), and 2 min step test (LFG: p = 0.002). Between-group analysis showed greater percentage gains in the LFG for the chair stand (33.8% ± 28.2% vs. 7.1% ± 21.6%, p = 0.001) and step test (13.7% ± 14.5% vs. 5.3% ± 14.7%, p = 0.040). No significant changes were found in handgrip strength, gait speed, pulse wave velocity, or muscle mass. These results suggest that the modified Vivifrail protocol enhances lower-limb endurance in lower-fitness individuals, but additional adaptations may be necessary to impact vascular and compositional outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lower-limb muscle function is traditionally assessed with tests like the five times sit-to-stand test (5STS) and the 30-s chair stand test (30CS). The ADR Encoder, a linear transducer, measures power and velocity during the sit-to-stand test. This study aimed to validate its use as functional indicators of muscle function in older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 114 participants (mean age: 72.92 ± 4.97 years) was conducted. The 5STS, 30CS, power, and speed were measured using the ADR Encoder. Participants were categorized into frail, pre-frail, and robust groups according to the FRAIL Scale. Criterion, intraobserver, and interobserver validity were assessed. Results: Strong correlations (r > 0.7; p < 0.001) were found between power, speed, and both 5STS and 30CS. The interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for speed was 0.90 and the intraobserver ICC was 0.85. For power, the interobserver ICC was 0.88 and the intraobserver ICC was 0.79, all statistically significant (p < 0.001). Significant differences in power (7.78 W vs. 11.26 W; p < 0.001) and speed (0.40 m/s vs. 0.58 m/s; p < 0.001) were observed between frail and non-frail participants. Conclusions: The ADR Encoder is a valid, reliable tool for measuring power and speed in older adults. Its strong correlations with the 5STS and 30CS demonstrate its clinical relevance, with high reproducibility across observers and time points. Its application in diverse clinical and community settings could broaden its utility in geriatric functional assessment. Full article

Background: Hypertension is a significant public health issue, particularly in individuals with comorbidities such as COPD and T2DM, which exacerbate cardiovascular risk and impair quality of life. While physical activity is an effective intervention for reducing blood pressure and improving health markers, conventional therapies often lack the social and psychological benefits of team sports. Team sports conducted as small-sided games provide a dynamic, engaging approach that combines physical, social, and psychological advantages, making them particularly suitable for individuals with complex chronic conditions. Methods: This non-randomized intervention study involved twenty-eight hypertensive patients, including 16 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (8 men and 8 women) and 12 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (7 men and 5 women). Participants engaged in a training program, primarily consisting of team sports (floorball and cone ball), at a municipal health center twice a week for 12 weeks. Results: The intervention led to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.006), with patients with COPD and T2DM showing decreases of 9.6 ± 12.7 mmHg and 12.4 ± 19.0 mmHg, respectively. Additionally, the time to complete the 2.45 m “Up and Go” test improved significantly (p < 0.001), with both COPD (p = 0.011) and T2DM (p = 0.005) patients demonstrating notable improvements. However, no significant changes were observed in body mass, chair stand performance, five-repetition sit-to-stand test, handgrip strength, or diastolic blood pressure following the intervention. Conclusions: Team sports training conducted in a municipality health center is effective in lowering blood pressure and improving functional capacity in hypertensive COPD and T2DM patients. Full article

To address lower limb fatigue in workers engaged in prolonged standing, this study proposes a structural design for a medial-support passive exoskeleton seat. The design incorporates support rods positioned along the medial aspect of the user’s lower limbs and features an adaptive telescopic rod system, enhancing sitting stability and reducing collision risks in workplace environments. Human motion capture technology was used to collect kinematic data of the lower limbs, and a mathematical model of center-of-gravity variation was developed to calculate and optimize the exoskeleton’s structural parameters. Static analysis was performed using ANSYS software (2025 R1) to evaluate the structural integrity of the design. The effectiveness of the exoskeleton seat was validated through surface electromyography (sEMG) experiments, with results showing that the exoskeleton significantly reduces lower limb muscle load by 49.2% to 72.9%. Additionally, force plate experiments demonstrated that the exoskeleton seat improves stability, with a 39.2% reduction in the average displacement of the center of pressure (CoP), confirming its superior postural alignment and balance. The design was also compared with existing exoskeleton chairs, showing comparable or better performance in terms of muscle load reduction, stability, and overall effectiveness. Full article

This study aimed to determine whether hand grip strength (HGS) could estimate the physical function of older women with or without obesity or sarcopenia in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Methods: A total of 541 elderly women aged 60–95 years (mean age: 79.87 ± 6.64) participated in the study. Physical function was assessed using HGS, 10 m walk test, figure-of-8 walk test, and 30-s chair stand test. Among the participants, 400 (76.8%) were classified as obese, and 137 (26.3%) had sarcopenia. Results: Results showed that HGS was significantly lower in the sarcopenic group (16.58 ± 2.86 kg) than in the normal group (24.31 ± 3.33 kg, p < 0.001). HGS was negatively correlated with body fat (r = −0.146, p = 0.001) and positively correlated with physical performance. Additionally, exercise habits were significantly associated with reduced obesity risk (OR = 0.592, p = 0.027). This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chonnam National University (IRB No. 1040198-220210-BR-009-03). The significance of hand grip strength was comparable to that of gait speed, walking capacity, coordination, and balance function. Conclusions: These findings suggest that grip strength can serve as a physical indicator of healthy condition and physical function with or without sarcopenia or obesity in older women. Full article

As physical capabilities decline with age, elderly individuals often require assistance from others when using the toilet. An auxiliary standing toilet chair can enhance convenience for the elderly, allowing them to use the toilet independently. Commercially available auxiliary standing toilet chairs and related patents share common issues, such as seat link rotation angles of less than 45° and a high driving force requirement. This study categorizes four-bar linkages into three design concepts and then carries out a kinematic design process based on the design requirements and constraints of the auxiliary standing toilet chair. Three feasible design examples were developed, followed by motion simulations and driving force analyses using INSPIRE 2019.2 software. In Design Example I, an actuator directly drives the seat link, rotating the seat to 48°. The required driving force for a 150 kg user is reduced from 6070 N to 2258 N, representing a 62.35% reduction in the required force. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia and malnutrition are common in post-stroke patients, impairing recovery. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) may support muscle metabolism, while chair-stand exercises improve strength and mobility. However, their combined effects remain unclear. This study evaluated the synergistic effects of MCT supplementation and high-frequency chair-stand exercise on physical function and muscle health in post-stroke patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study included 1080 post-stroke patients categorized into three groups: (1) MCT supplementation alone, (2) chair-stand exercise alone, and (3) both combined. MCT supplementation consisted of ~40 g/day MCT oil or powder. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor), while muscle health was evaluated by handgrip strength (HGS) and skeletal muscle index (SMI). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for confounders. Results: The combined intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in FIM-motor scores at discharge (B = 8.79, 95% CI: 5.64–11.95, β = 0.32, p < 0.001) and FIM-motor gain (B = 6.02, 95% CI: 3.42–8.62, β = 0.29, p < 0.001) compared to the control. Increases in HGS (B = 2.441, 95% CI: 0.483–4.398, β = 0.18, p = 0.015) and SMI (B = 0.194, 95% CI: 0.102–0.419, β = 0.12, p = 0.039) were also observed. Chair-stand exercise was performed a median of 62 times/day and independently improved outcomes, while MCT alone had limited effects. Conclusions: MCT supplementation combined with chair-stand exercise enhances functional recovery and muscle health in post-stroke patients, supporting its role in rehabilitation. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term effects and to examine the pharmacokinetics of MCTs, including blood concentrations, in broader populations. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the effect of a multimodal prehabilitation program for colorectal cancer patients in body composition, physical and cardiorespiratory fitness as well as its ability to reduce postoperative complications. Methods: A longitudinal observational study evaluated the efficacy of a prehabilitation intervention based on four components: (a) health education and self-care, (b) nutritional counseling, (c) psychological support, and (d) supervised physical exercise. Body composition was determined through bioelectrical impedance analysis; physical fitness variables such as strength was measured by a handgrip dynamometer for upper limbs, and a squat–jump test, countermovement jump test using a contact platform, and a chair–stand test for lower limbs. Flexibility was assessed with the sit-and-reach test. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed with the 6 min walking test (6MWT). Moreover, we measured lifestyles related to the amount of physical exercise by accelerometry. Results: The final cohort included 30 patients. Patients completed an average of 9.90 ± 5.26 exercise sessions. Statistically significant changes with varying effect sizes were observed in the following outcomes: SJ values in cm and W for both sexes (p = 0.021/d = 0.14 and p = 0.043/d = 0.10, respectively), SJ in W for women (p = 0.023/d = 0.21), all chair-stand test values (p = 0.021/d = 0.65 for men, p = 0.004/d = 2.08 for women, and p = 0.000/d = 0.84 for both sexes), and sit-and-reach for both sexes (p = 0.005/d = 0.12) and for men (p = 0.044/d = 0.08). All 6MWT values had statistically significant changes (p = 0.001/0.46). Women reduced the weekly minutes spent in sedentary behavior (p = 0.037/d = 0.65) and increased the minutes spent performing light physical activity (p = 0.037/d = 0.63). With regard to surgical outcomes, there was a tendency towards a decrease in postoperative complications and hospitalization days, as well as minutes in postoperative REA (p = 0.009/d = 0.69) in relation to the control group. Conclusions: Participation in a multimodal prehabilitation program improves several aspects of physical condition and lifestyles related to the amount of physical exercise and reduces both days of hospitalization and several complications post-surgery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early intervention combining nutrition optimisation with exercise can potentially prevent frailty progression and reverse pre-frailty in older adults. Methods: This 4-month study examined the effectiveness of nutrition education (without oral nutrition supplement use) as part of a multi-domain intervention on the nutritional status and intake of pre-frail community-dwelling older adults and its relationship with sarcopenia markers. Results: Amongst 172 participants (≥55 years), 5.8% were malnourished, with no significant change in nutritional status throughout the study. Post-intervention, participants consumed significantly higher daily calories, protein, protein per body weight (BW), and calcium (p < 0.001); protein intake at lunch (p = 0.001) and dinner (p = 0.004) also increased. However, 6-month post-intervention daily protein (p = 0.025), protein per BW (p = 0.039), and calcium (p = 0.015) decreased significantly. Sarcopenia markers (handgrip strength (HGS), five-time chair stand test (5STS), and short physical performance battery score (SPPB)) showed no significant difference post-intervention. Well-nourished participants had better HGS (p = 0.005), 5STS (p = 0.026), and SPPB (p = 0.039). Practical nutrition education effectively improved nutritional intake, but the effect was not sustained 6-months post-intervention. Conclusions: Optimising nutritional status with a focus on improving protein intake, especially at breakfast, to meet minimal intake to stimulate muscle protein synthesis can help prevent sarcopenia and frailty. Future studies should examine factors driving sustainable improvement to prevent frailty progression in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenic obesity (SO), the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity, poses serious health risks, such as increased mortality. Despite its clinical significance, key predictors of SO remain unclear, especially in severe obesity. This study aimed to identify independent predictors of SO in Italian older adults with obesity using a deep learning neural network. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with hospitalized older adults diagnosed with severe obesity. SO was defined according to the 2022 ESPEN/EASO Statement Criteria, based on skeletal muscle function assessed by the five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5-SST) and body composition parameters evaluated using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry. A total of 42 independent variables were analyzed. Data normalization was performed using MinMaxScaler, and an optimal neural network architecture was selected via grid search with stratified 5-fold cross-validation. Model performance was assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, AUC-ROC, and AUPRC metrics. Results: The correlation analysis revealed strong negative associations between SO and handgrip strength (HGS) (r = −0.785) and appendicular lean mass (ALM) (r = −0.745), as well as moderate correlations with 5-SST (r = 0.603), 30-second chair stand test (r = −0.474), 6-minute walking test (6m-WT) (r = 0.289), and waist circumference (WC) (r = 0.127). The deep learning model achieved an average classification accuracy of 72%, with a precision of 83% and an AUC of 0.9333. Conclusions: The main key predictors of SO were HGS, ALM, 5-SST, 30s-SST, 6m-WT, and WC in the early detection of this condition. The findings highlight deep learning’s potential to improve SO diagnosis, risk assessment, clinical decision-making, and prevention in severely obese older adults. Full article