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ABSTRACT: This study compared the long-term effectiveness of three physical activity counseling strategies among sedentary older adults: a one-contact referral (REFER), a one-contact individualized walking program (WALK) and a multiple-contact individually-tailored and need-supportive coaching based on the Self-Determination Theory (COACH). Participants (n = 442) completed measurements before (pre-test), immediately after (post-test) and one year after (follow-up-test) a ten-week intervention. Linear mixed models demonstrated significant time by condition interaction effects from pre- to post-test. More specifically, WALK and COACH yielded larger increases in daily steps and self-reported physical activity than REFER. Similarly, self-reported physical activity increased more from pre- to follow-up-test in WALK and COACH compared with REFER. Autonomous motivation mediated the effect of perceived need-support on physical activity, irrespective of counseling strategy. These results demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of both a one-contact individualized walking program and a more time-consuming need-supportive coaching, especially in comparison with a standard referral to local opportunities.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 04/2013;
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ABSTRACT: This study evaluated 'Every step counts!' - a ten-week, structured walking intervention in a community-based senior organization - on promoting physical activity participation, fitness and well-being among older adults (age ≥ 55 years). The intervention prescribed pedometer-defined walks in weekly walking schedules. These were fitness-tailored and structured in walking load (intensity/volume) according to the principles of training progression. This intervention was offered as a social activity at meeting points of a community-based senior organization. Twenty-nine meeting points (n = 432) constituted the intervention condition. Ten meeting points (n = 148) formed the waiting-list control condition. Measurements were organized at intervention start (pre-test) and end (post-test). Intention-to-treat linear mixed models showed small positive intervention effects on physical activity, fitness and aspects of well-being. These results confirm the effectiveness of structured walking interventions with systematic training progression and underscore the value of community-based senior organizations as intervention setting among older adults.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 04/2013; 21:167-185.
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ABSTRACT: This study evaluated "Every Step Counts!"-a 10-wk, structured walking intervention in a community-based senior organization-on promoting physical activity participation, fitness, and well-being among older adults (age ≥ 55 yr). The intervention prescribed pedometer-defined walks in weekly walking schedules. These were fitness-tailored and structured in walking load (intensity/volume) according to the principles of training progression. This intervention was offered as a social activity at meeting points of a community-based senior organization. Twenty-nine meeting points (n = 432) constituted the intervention condition. Ten meeting points (n = 148) formed the wait-list control condition. Measurements were organized at intervention start (pretest) and end (posttest). Intention-to-treat linear mixed models showed small positive intervention effects on physical activity, fitness, and aspects of well-being. These results confirm the effectiveness of structured walking interventions with systematic training progression and underscore the value of community-based senior organizations as intervention settings for older adults.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 04/2013; 21(2):167-85.
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the residual effects of fitness and whole-body vibration training in older men 1 year after completion of the interventions. DESIGN: A 1-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of 1 year of fitness training, including resistance training and aerobic training (R+A) and whole-body vibration (WBV) training to a control (CON) group. SETTING: University Training Center. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-two men, between 60 and 80 years old. Response rate was 80%, 92% and 90% in the R+A (n=20), WBV (n=23) and CON (n=29) groups, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention groups exercised three times weekly during 1 year. The R+A group performed a standard training program, combining resistance exercises and aerobic training, following the ACSM guidelines. The WBV group performed unloaded static and dynamic leg exercises on a vibration platform. The CON group did not participate in any training program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle volume, isometric and concentric muscle strength, muscle quality and muscle power. RESULTS: Both interventions had resulted in comparable increases in muscle quality characteristics. No significant changes had been found in the CON group. During the 1-year follow-up period, the R+A (-4.05%, p=.006) and WBV (-2.46%, p<.0001) group had lost most of their gains in muscle volume. However, isometric muscle strength was preserved in the R+A group (+1.65%, p=.745), resulting in an increase in muscle quality (+7.97%, p=.034). In the WBV group, muscle power decreased (-6.10%, p<.0001), but remained significantly higher than baseline (p=.038). Except for a strong decrease in muscle power, no significant changes were found in the CON group. CONCLUSIONS: One year of R+A and/or WBV training can equally reverse the adverse effects of ageing on muscle quality in older men, but their residual impact after follow-up is different.
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 12/2012; · 2.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of current study was to measure the transmission of whole body vibration through the entire body and to relate this to body posture and induced muscular activation. Eight clinically healthy subjects performed 3 static body postures - high squat (135°), deep squat (110°) and erect stance, while vibration transmission was assessed over a wide range of accelerations (from 0.33 to 7.98 g) and frequencies (30 to 50 Hz). To assess the vibration transmission, nine tri-axial accelerometers were attached from the ankle up to the head and the root-mean-square (RMS) of acceleration signal of each site-specific body point was calculated. Additionally, muscle activity from 7 lower limb muscles was recorded. The results showed a significant attenuation of the platform accelerations transmitted from the feet to the head. Compared to erect stance, knee bent posture significantly diminished vibration transmission at the hip, spine and the head (P<0.05). Vibration transmission to the spine was significantly lower in deep versus high squat (P<0.05), suggesting that further knee bending may reduce the risk of overloading the spine. Vibration increased the muscle activity in most leg and hip muscles during both squat postures, although, on average, no clear dose-response relationship between the acceleration and/or frequency and muscle response was found. The muscular activation of vastus medialis and rectus femoris showed clear negative correlation to the vibration transmission at the sternum. The specific vibration parameters used in the present study can be considered as safe and suitable for a training program. Moreover, the present results contribute to optimize the most advantageous whole body vibration protocol and to determine the beneficial effects on muscle and bone.
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 12/2012; · 1.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Although sports participation is allowed to most adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot, a reduced exercise tolerance and reduced perceived physical functioning is often present in these patients. We aimed to investigate daily physical activity in adults with tetralogy of Fallot and to investigate the underlying determinants of physical activity in daily life. METHODS: We studied 73 patients with tetralogy of Fallot (53 male; mean age 27.3 ± 7.9 years) who underwent echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and who completed questionnaires about physical activity and perceived health status. All variables were compared with data from a general population. Relationships were studied by Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients with correction for multiple testing. RESULTS: Patients were significantly less active compared with the general population (p > 0.05), 55% of all patients were sedentary, 27% had an active or moderately active lifestyle, and 18% of the group had a vigorously active lifestyle. Peak oxygen uptake (71 ± 16%; p < 0.0001) was significantly reduced and related to reduced physical activity levels (r = 0.229; p = 0.017) and perceived physical functioning (r = 0.361; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Adult patients with tetralogy of Fallot have a sedentary lifestyle and are less active than the general population. Inactivity significantly contributes to reduced exercise capacity, in addition to the impairment based on the cardiac condition. Moreover, reduced exercise capacity and the intensity of sports performed in daily life are related to perceived physical functioning. Individual patient counselling on physical activity might be a low-cost, high-benefit measure to be taken in this patient population.
Cardiology in the Young 11/2012; · 0.76 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study examined the long-term and mediation effects of a need-supportive coaching programme on physical activity. Sedentary employees (n = 92) of the university of Leuven received 4 months of physical activity coaching, based on the self-determination theory, by coaches with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology who are specializing in health-related physical activity (n = 30). The programme consisted of a limited number of individual contact moments (i.e. an intake session, three follow-up contacts and an out-take session), either face-to-face, by phone or by e-mail. Self-reported physical activity, social support, self-efficacy and autonomous motivation were assessed in the coaching group (n = 92) and a control group (n = 34) at three moments: before the intervention (i.e. pre-test), after the intervention (i.e. post-test) and 1 year after pre-test measurements (i.e. follow-up test). Results revealed significant 3 (time) × 2 (groups) interaction effects on strenuous and total physical activity. Moreover, whereas the control group remained stable from pre- to post-test, the coaching group increased significantly in moderate, strenuous and total physical activity. Additionally, the coaching group increased significantly in mild, moderate, strenuous and total physical activity from pre- to follow-up tests, whereas the control group did not change. Bootstrapping analyses indicated that self-efficacy and autonomous motivation significantly mediated the intervention effect on physical activity from pre- to post-test, while social support significantly mediated the long-term effect. This study provides evidence for the long-term effectiveness of a need-supportive physical activity programme that might be efficient at the community level.
Health Promotion International 07/2012; · 1.94 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: It remains controversial whether maximal effort attained by high external resistance is required to optimize muscle adaptation to strengthening exercise. Here, we compared different training protocols reaching maximal effort with either high resistance (HImax, 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM)) or low resistance (LOmax, ≤40% 1RM). Thirty-six young volunteers were randomly assigned to 9 weeks leg extension training at either HImax (one set of 10-12 repetitions at 80% 1RM), LO (one set of 10-12 repetitions at 40% 1RM, no maximal effort), or LOmax (one set of 10-12 repetitions at 40% 1RM, preceded (no rest) by 60 repetitions at 20-25% 1RM). Knee extension 1RM was measured pre and post intervention, and before the 7, 13, and 19 training session. Pre and post intervention, knee extensor static (PTstat) and dynamic (PTdyn) peak torque, maximal work (MW), and speed of movement at 20% (S20), 40% (S40) and 60% (S60) of PTstat were recorded with a Biodex dynamometer. All groups showed a significant increase in 1RM, with a greater improvement in HImax from the 13 session on (p<0.05). HImax was the only group that significantly increased PTstat (+6.5%, p=0.01). LOmax showed a significantly greater increase in S20 (+6.5%), PTdyn (+8.2%) and MW (+13.8%) than both HImax and LO (p=0.044 for S20, p=0.030 for PTdyn, p=0.025 for MW), and was the only group that increased in S40 (+8.8%, p=0.032). In conclusion, significant differences between HImax and LOmax on force-velocity characteristics of the knee extensors were found, although maximal effort was achieved in both training regimens. Thus, LOmax may not be considered as a replacement for HImax, but rather as an alternative with different training-specific adaptations.
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 06/2012; · 1.83 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Patients with Mustard/Senning repair for transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) have an impaired exercise capacity, but information about physical activity levels is scarce. The aim of the study was to come to a better understanding of the interrelationships between determinants of exercise capacity, physical activity and self-perceived health status.
We studied 39 d-TGA patients who underwent echocardiography and exercise testing, and who completed questionnaires about physical activity and perceived health status. All results were compared with normal values. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the determinants of peak V02% and exercise duration. Peak VO2 averaged 64 +/- 14.1% of the predicted normal values, which is significantly lower than expected (P < 0.0001). Physical activity measures as well as perceived general health were significantly lower compared to a reference population (P < 0.05). Peak heart rate and peak oxygen pulse explained together 90% of the variability in exercise duration (model F = 162.72; P < 0.0001). Type of surgery, total energy expenditure and right ventricular contractility were independent predictors of peak VO2% explaining 43% of the variability (model F = 8.75; P = 0.0002).
Impaired peak exercise performance in d-TGA patients results mainly from the inability to increase stroke volume and heart rate at higher exercise intensities. Senning repair and a well-preserved right ventricular function are related to a better peak V02%. Furthermore, an active lifestyle has a positive effect on exercise capacity and perceived physical functioning. Therefore it might be indicated to encourage d-TGA patients to adopt a more physically active lifestyle.
Acta cardiologica 02/2012; 67(1):49-57. · 0.61 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:: Patients with aortic coarctation (COA) have a reduced exercise capacity and seem to be more prone to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. During clinical practice, we often observe that patients seem to be overweight. However, data on physical activity and weight status in this population are currently not available. OBJECTIVE:: This study aimed to describe weight status, self-reported physical activity levels, and self-perceived health status in adults with repaired COA in comparison with healthy counterparts and to investigate the relationships among exercise capacity, physical activity, weight status, and perceived health status. METHODS:: We studied 103 COA patients who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and who completed the Flemish Physical Activity Computerized Questionnaire and the short-form 36 health survey questionnaire. RESULTS:: Patients with COA show a significantly lower exercise tolerance than what would be expected in healthy persons (P < .0001). Weight status was similar to the overall Belgian population, but a tendency towards higher body mass index was present. Patients with COA report a lower level of habitual physical activity (P < .05) as well as reductions in perceived vitality, general health, and mental health (P < .05). Parameters of habitual physical activity are related to exercise capacity (total energy expenditure: r = 0.278, P = .0015). The more active COA patients report higher scores of perceived physical functioning, general health, and mental health. Overweight patients did not perform significantly different than patients with a healthy weight did. CONCLUSIONS:: Adults with repaired COA have a reduced exercise tolerance, which is related to low physical activity levels. Up to one-third of the COA patients we studied are overweight. As a poor exercise capacity identifies patients at risk for hospitalization and death and obesity might adversely influence the development of cardiovascular disease, it is important to improve the exercise capacity in these patients. Guiding patients toward more physical activity in daily life might therefore be the number 1 preventive measure to be taken in this patient group.
The Journal of cardiovascular nursing 12/2011; · 1.43 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Exercise capacity in grown-ups with congenital heart disease (GUCH) is mostly reported by peak oxygen consumption (peak VO(2)). Our aim was to evaluate the maximal character of exercise tests, and to investigate submaximal measures of exercise capacity.
Adults with Coarctation of the Aorta (COA, n=155), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF, n=98), dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries (dTGA, n=68) and Univentricular Heart (UVH, n=10), and 122 healthy adults performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing until exhaustion. Gas exchange was measured breath by breath. The maximal performance of the test was evaluated by respiratory exchange ratio (RER), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen and Borg scale. Oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), VE/VCO(2) slope and VO(2)/WR slope were calculated and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) was defined. Correlations of these measures with peak VO(2) were calculated.
GUCH showed significantly lower peak VO(2) than controls (p<0.001), declining from 80% in COA, 74% in TOF, 64% in dTGA, to 55% in UVH. Compared to suggested criteria, mean peak RER and median Borg scale indicated a maximal effort in GUCH, however these results were significantly lower than controls (p<0.05). OUES, VO(2)/WR slope and VAT were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. OUES (r=0.853) and VAT (r=0.840) correlated best with peak VO(2); VO(2)/WR slope (r=0.551) and VE/VCO(2) slope (r=-0.421) correlated to a lesser degree (p<0.001).
The investigated GUCH show reduced exercise tolerance compared to controls, related to the underlying heart defect. Different expressions of exercise tolerance clearly reveal the same differences in exercise capacity across groups of GUCH.
International journal of cardiology 11/2011; 153(1):26-30. · 7.08 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To examine the relationship between muscle strength, speed of movement, muscle mass (MM), and functional performance in elderly women and to determine optimal threshold values below which physical frailty occurs.
Survey.
University-based laboratory.
Institutionalized women (N=123; mean age, 79.67 ± 5.2y).
Not applicable.
Force-velocity characteristics of the knee extensors were evaluated by using isometric, isokinetic, and ballistic tests on a motor-driven dynamometer. Isometric (ISOM) strength, dynamic strength, maximal speed of movement (SoM, unloaded), and speed of movement with standardized resistance of 20% (S(20)), 40% (S(40)), and 60% (S(60)) of the isometric maximum were recorded. MM of the upper leg was determined by using computed tomography. The modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT) was used to assess functional performance.
Force-velocity characteristics (r varied from .31-.68) and MM (r=.41) correlated significantly with functional performance (P<.05). In a forward stepwise regression model, only SoM and ISOM strength remained independently associated with mPPT score (R(2)=.49), with SoM accounting for most of the variance. The threshold value that optimally differentiates between women with mild (mPPT score, 25-31) or without (mPPT score ≥32) physical frailty was 350°/s for SoM and 1.46N m/kg for ISOM strength. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 74% to 77% and 71% to 77%, respectively.
SoM is a key component in the onset of functional difficulties in elderly women. Exercise interventions specifically targeting muscle power (by including exercises at high velocities) thus might be crucial to prevent functional decline.
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 11/2011; 92(11):1827-32. · 2.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the long-term effects of a lifestyle intervention and a structured exercise intervention on physical fitness and cardiovascular risk factors in older adults.
Controlled trial with randomization between the intervention groups.
Belgium, Vlaams-Brabant.
One hundred eighty-six sedentary but healthy men and women aged 60 to 83.
Participants in the lifestyle intervention were stimulated to integrate physical activity into their daily routines and received an individualized home-based program supported by telephone calls. The structured intervention consisted of three weekly supervised sessions in a fitness center. Both interventions lasted 11 months and focused on endurance, strength, flexibility, and postural and balance exercises.
Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, functional performance, blood pressure, and body composition were measured before (pretest), at the end (11 months, posttest), and 1 year after the end (23 months, follow-up) of the interventions.
The results from pretest to posttest have already been published. The current study analyzed the results from posttest to follow-up. There was a decrease in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and functional performance from posttest to follow-up in the structured intervention group but not in the control group or the lifestyle intervention group. At 23 months, participants in both groups still showed improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness. In addition, the structured group showed long-term improvements in muscular fitness, whereas the lifestyle group showed long-term improvements in functional performance. No long-term effects were found for blood pressure or body composition.
These results highlight the potential of a structured fitness center-based intervention and a home-based lifestyle intervention in the battle against inactivity in older adults. Lifestyle programs are especially valuable because they require fewer resources and less time from health institutions and health practitioners.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 08/2011; 59(9):1602-11. · 3.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Sarcopenia and osteoporosis represent a growing public health problem. We studied the potential benefit of whole-body vibration (WBV) training given a conventional or a high dose of daily vitamin D supplementation in improving strength, muscle mass, and bone density in postmenopausal women. In a 2 × 2 factorial-design trial, 113 institutionalized elderly females aged over 70 years (mean age 79.6 years) were randomly assigned either to a WBV or a no-training group, receiving either a conventional dose (880 IU/day) or a high dose (1600 IU/day) of vitamin D(3). The primary aim was to determine the effects of 6 months of WBV and/or vitamin D supplementation on isometric and dynamic strength, leg muscle mass, and hip bone mineral density (BMD). Additionally, the increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels between conventional and high-dose supplementation was compared. After 6 months of treatment, dynamic muscle strength, hip BMD, and vitamin D serum levels improved significantly in all groups, whereas isometric strength and muscle mass did not change. When compared with no training, the WBV program did not result in additional improvements. When compared with 880 IU, a high dose of 1600 IU of vitamin D did result in higher serum vitamin D levels but did not result in additional improvements. In institutionalized women older than 70 years, the WBV training protocol tested is not more efficient in enhancing muscle mass, strength, and hip BMD compared with vitamin D supplementation. A higher dose of 1600 IU of vitamin D does not provide additional musculoskeletal benefit in this population compared with conventional doses.
Journal of bone and mineral research: the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research 01/2011; 26(1):42-9. · 6.04 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Falls in the elderly constitute a growing public health problem. This randomized controlled trial investigated the potential benefit of 6 months of whole body vibration (WBV) training and/or vitamin D supplementation on balance, functionality and estimated fall risk in institutionalized elderly women. A total of 113 women (mean age: 79.6) were randomly assigned to either a WBV or a no-training group, receiving either a conventional dose (880 IU/d) or a high dose (1600 IU/d) of vitamin D3. The WBV group performed exercises on a vibration platform 3×/week. Balance was evaluated by computerized posturography. Functionality was assessed by 10 m walk test, Timed up and Go (TUG) performance and endurance capacity (Shuttle Walk). Fall risk was determined with the Physiological Profile Assessment. Performance on the 10 m walk test and on TUG improved over time in all groups. For none of the parameters, high-dose vitamin D resulted in a better performance than conventional dosing. The improvements in the WBV group in endurance capacity, walking at preferred speed, and TUG were significantly larger than the changes with supplementation alone. No additional benefit of WBV training could be detected on fall risk and postural control, although sway velocity and maximal isometric knee extension strength improved only in the WBV group. This trial showed that a high-dose vitamin D supplementation is not more efficient than conventional dosing in improving functionality in institutionalized elderly. WBV training on top of vitamin D supplementation provided an added benefit with regard to walking, TUG performance, and endurance capacity.
Gait & posture 01/2011; 33(3):466-72. · 2.58 Impact Factor
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An Windelinckx,
Gunther De Mars,
Wim Huygens,
Maarten W Peeters,
Barbara Vincent,
Cisca Wijmenga,
Diether Lambrechts, Christophe Delecluse,
Stephen M Roth,
E Jeffrey Metter,
Luigi Ferrucci,
Jeroen Aerssens,
Robert Vlietinck,
Gaston P Beunen,
Martine A Thomis
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ABSTRACT: Muscle strength is important in functional activities of daily living and the prevention of common pathologies. We describe the two-staged fine mapping of a previously identified linkage peak for knee strength on chr12q12-14. First, 209 tagSNPs in/around 74 prioritized genes were genotyped in 500 Caucasian brothers from the Leuven Genes for Muscular Strength study (LGfMS). Combined linkage and family-based association analyses identified activin receptor 1B (ACVR1B) and inhibin β C (INHBC), part of the transforming growth factor β pathway regulating myostatin - a negative regulator of muscle mass - signaling, for follow-up. Second, 33 SNPs, selected in these genes based on their likelihood to functionally affect gene expression/function, were genotyped in an extended sample of 536 LGfMS siblings. Strong associations between ACVR1B genotypes and knee muscle strength (P-values up to 0.00002) were present. Of particular interest was the association with rs2854464, located in a putative miR-24-binding site, as miR-24 was implicated in the inhibition of skeletal muscle differentiation. Rs2854464 AA individuals were ∼2% stronger than G-allele carriers. The strength increasing effect of the A-allele was also observed in an independent replication sample (n=266) selected from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and a Flemish Policy Research Centre Sport, Physical Activity and Health study. However, no genotype-related difference in ACVR1B mRNA expression in quadriceps muscle was observed. In conclusion, we applied a two-stage fine mapping approach, and are the first to identify and partially replicate genetic variants in the ACVR1B gene that account for genetic variation in human muscle strength.
European journal of human genetics: EJHG 11/2010; 19(2):208-15. · 3.56 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Two groups of sedentary older adults, participating in either a lifestyle physical activity intervention (LIFE, n = 60) or a structured exercise intervention (STRU, n = 60), were compared with a control group (CO, n = 66) in terms of physical fitness and cardiovascular risk factors. Participants in LIFE were stimulated to integrate physical activity into their daily routines and received an individualized home-based program. Participants in STRU completed 5 supervised training sessions every 2 wk in a fitness center. Both interventions lasted 11 months and focused on endurance, strength, flexibility, and postural/balance exercises. The results revealed that the interventions were equally effective in improving functional performance. STRU was more effective than LIFE in improving cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness. Limited effects emerged on cardiovascular risk, with STRU improving in total cholesterol and HDL. Consequently, interventions aiming at reducing cardiovascular risks among sedentary elderly should focus on long-term changes in physical activity behavior.
Journal of aging and physical activity 07/2010; 18(3):335-52. · 2.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the long-term effects of a lifestyle physical activity intervention (n = 60) and a structured exercise intervention (n = 60) on physical self-perceptions and self-esteem in older adults compared with a control group (n = 66), and (2) to test the longitudinal fit of the exercise and self-esteem model (EXSEM). Immediately after the 11-month interventions, the lifestyle group showed significant improvements in self-perceived physical condition, sport competence, body attractiveness, and physical self-worth. In the structured group, significant effects were found on physical condition and sport competence. One year later, the lifestyle program had significant effects on body attractiveness and global self-esteem, while the structured group showed significant improvements in physical condition, sport competence, and body attractiveness. Path analyses revealed a good fit for the EXSEM across the 2-year period.
Journal of sport & exercise psychology 12/2009; 31(6):743-60. · 2.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: whole body vibration (WBV) training appears to be an efficient alternative for conventional resistance training in older individuals. So far, no data exist about the vibratory effect on cardiorespiratory fitness.
this randomised controlled trial assessed the effects of 1-year WBV training on cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in community-dwelling adults over the age of 60.
a total of 220 adults (mean age 67.1 years) were randomly assigned to a WBV group, fitness group or control group. The WBV group exercised on a vibration platform, and the fitness group performed cardiovascular, resistance, balance and stretching exercises. The control group did not participate in any training. Heart rate was measured during a single WBV session. Peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)) and time-to-peak exercise (TPE) were measured during progressive bicycle ergometry. Muscle strength was assessed by a dynamometer.
heart rate increased significantly during WBV training. After 1 year, VO(2peak), TPE and muscle strength increased significantly in the WBV and fitness groups. Both training groups improved similarly in VO(2peak) and muscle strength. The fitness group improved significantly more in TPE than the WBV group.
WBV training in community-dwelling elderly appears to be efficient to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength.
Age and Ageing 06/2009; 38(4):448-54. · 3.09 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the effects of a lifestyle intervention and a structured exercise intervention on physical activity in older adults.
Participants were randomly assigned to a lifestyle intervention (n=60), including an individualized home-based program supported by phone calls, or to a structured intervention (n=60) consisting of three weekly supervised sessions. Results were compared with a control group (n=66). Physical activity was measured with self-report questionnaires, pedometers, and accelerometers before the start (pretest), at the end (11 months, posttest), and after 23 months (follow-up). The study took place in Belgium from March 2004 until April 2006.
At posttest, both intervention groups had significantly increased their total physical activity compared with the control group. At follow-up, the lifestyle group showed significantly larger increases in active transportation and total steps than the control and structured group respectively. There were no longer significant differences between the structured intervention and the control group.
The structured and lifestyle interventions were equally effective at the end of the intervention. One year after the intervention the lifestyle group maintained a significant increase in physical activity, which highlights the potential of lifestyle programs in the battle against inactivity in older adults.
Preventive Medicine 07/2008; 46(6):518-24. · 3.22 Impact Factor
