JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Association of 30-s Sit-to-Stand Power Test Outcome With Body Balance in Physically Active Older Adults
Monteiro PHM, Valenciano PJ, Mendes PHS and Teixeira LA
Amount of serial sitting and standing movements has been employed in clinical and research settings to assess legs' muscular strength. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to test the correlation between the 30-s sit-to-stand power test (30STSp) outcome and body balance in older adults. We evaluated physically active male and female (n = 51) individuals with an age range of 60-80 years (M = 69.29). Participants were assessed on the maximum number of repetitions for 30STSp and on the performance of balance tasks, as follows: quiet standing in unipedal support, unipedal support while alternately touching two targets on the ground with the toe of the nonsupporting foot in either the anteroposterior (AP) or mediolateral (ML) direction, and paced sit-to-stand supported on a narrow bipedal support base. Performance on the balance tasks was measured through smartphone-based triaxial trunk accelerometry (meters per second squared), with analysis made through root mean square for the AP and ML axes. Analysis indicated significant negative correlation coefficients of 30STSp outcome with trunk acceleration on unipedal quiet stance tasks both in the ML (rs = -.46) and AP (rs = -.40) directions and with the AP alternate target touching task for ML trunk acceleration (rs = -.34) and the ML alternate target touching task for AP trunk acceleration (rs = -.31). These results suggest that in active older adults, the 30STSp outcome is associated with balance in unipedal quiet standing and dynamic tasks. Our findings indicate the contribution of balance control in the performance of 30STSp.
Veterans' Motivation, Preference, and Feedback After Completing a Novel Physical Therapy Treatment
Ogawa EF, Harris R, Moye J, Bean JF and Kim B
This study evaluated Veterans' motivation and perception of different components of a novel physical therapy (PT) treatment aimed at increasing mobility, motivation, and exercise adoption.
The Effect of Adherence to a Tai Chi Intervention on Quality of Life of Older People Living With Dementia
Bibi I, Polman R and Nyman SR
Adherence to exercise programs is required to reap their established benefits and to sustain Quality of Life (QoL). This study explored People Living with Dementia's (PLWD) adherence to a Tai Chi exercise program and its effects on their QoL. The study included assessment of factors affecting adherence to a Tai Chi exercise intervention, causes of nonadherence, and effect of adherence on PLWD's QoL.
A 3-Month Dual-Task Exercise Randomized Pilot Trial Improves Dynamic Stability and Coordination in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Alessio HM, Malay N, Jones A, Stein L, Thornburg T, O'Connell M and Smith DL
Dual-task (DT) exercises combine both physical and cognitive activities and have the potential to efficiently enhance both physical and cognitive function.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Asian Exercise Techniques and Various Physical Activity Interventions in Middle and Late Adulthood Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Qi W, Alarcón D, Arenilla MJ, Yu H, Jaenes JC, Trujillo M and Wilczyńska D
The aim of this review and meta-analysis is to compare different low-intensity forms of physical activity (PA; Baduanjin, Tai Chi, walking, and general PA) as treatments for knee osteoarthritis.
Erratum. A 3-Month Dual-Task Exercise Randomized Pilot Trial Improves Dynamic Stability and Coordination in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Motives of Peer Volunteers Aged Over 50 in Physical Activity Programs: A Scoping Review
Bilsborough H, Davies A, Todd C, Stathi A and Hawley-Hague H
Peer-volunteering schemes can facilitate health improvement via increasing physical activity levels. Understanding what motivates peer volunteers is valuable for the feasibility of volunteering schemes. This scoping review aims to explore the motivations of peer volunteers aged over 50 who participate in programs that promote physical activity. Four databases were searched in March 2023 with no date restrictions. The inclusion criteria were adults over 50 years of age, experience in physical activity peer-volunteering schemes, assessed volunteer motivation, and uses English language. Nine studies were included (252 participants, aged 54-85) Peer-volunteer and volunteering characteristics were extracted from the papers. An inductive thematic analysis approach was taken to analyze the motivation data. The themes were then mapped onto theoretical constructs of motivation. Three themes of motivation emerged that could enable us to better design peer-volunteer recruitment strategies: altruistic (giving back), personal improvement (meeting goals), and past experience (helping others overcome experienced barriers). The review suggested that peer-volunteer motivations fall in line with the mechanisms of motivation suggested by psychological theories such as social cognitive and self-determination theories. To improve peer-volunteer uptake and retention, appropriate theoretical frameworks should be employed to inform the content of future interventions to ensure that volunteers will have their motivations met.
Are Mobile Apps Effective at Targeting Physical Activity or Malnutrition in Community-Dwelling Older Adults? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
French C, McKenzie Y, Stanmore E and Burden S
This systematic review aims to identify the effectiveness of digital health applications (apps) to increase physical activity (PA) or prevent malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults. Searches were conducted in June 2023 across seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica database, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and grey literature were searched via google scholar. Data from studies that met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Meta-analyses were undertaken where appropriate using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model (Stata version 16.1), or data were described narratively. Twenty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria, although 23 of these had low or unclear risk of bias. Twelve studies considered PA outcomes only, two studies considered nutritional outcomes only, and three studies considered both PA and nutritional components. A meta-analysis comprising six studies (818 participants) showed that those using a digital health app had a higher step count compared with participants in the control group (mean difference = 799, 95% CI [48.76, 1550.08]). Studies looking at nutritional outcomes aimed to increase protein intake or adherence to dietary patterns with mixed findings. Digital health apps have the potential to increase PA in community-dwelling older adults. Digital health app interventions that aim to reduce the risk of malnutrition in older adults is a relatively unexplored area with mixed findings, so more high-quality studies should be prioritized.
Increasing Reported Physical Activity Among Australian Adults: Progress Toward a Healthy Older Age
Halim N, Owen KB, Smith BJ, Thomas M, Tiedemann A, Sherrington C and Bauman AE
A globally aging population necessitates public health action that supports healthy aging. Although it is well established that participation in physical activity (PA), sport, and active recreation are important for healthy aging, PA levels remain generally lower among older adults. This study examines trends in physical activities that older adults engage in and identifies disparities in activities across subgroups as defined by age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Associations of 24-hr Movement Behaviors With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults Receiving Outpatient Rehabilitation: A Compositional Time-Use Analysis
Peiris CL, Taylor NF and Verswijveren SJJM
Research suggests associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and metabolic syndrome, but most has focused on healthy populations and individual behaviors. We investigated associations of 24-hr movement behavior compositions with cardiometabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome in adults receiving rehabilitation for other health conditions.
Beta-Alanine for Improving Exercise Capacity, Muscle Strength, and Functional Performance of Older Adults: A Systematic Review
de Camargo JBB and Brigatto FA
 Beta-alanine supplementation increases muscle carnosine content and also improves exercise capacity and performance in young adults, with mixed findings emerging from the few studies investigating its effects on older participants. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the evidence regarding the effects of beta-alanine on exercise capacity, muscle strength, and functional performance of older adults.
Social-Ecological Correlates of Physical Activity Among Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline in Chinese Community: A Cross-Sectional Study
Zhao J, Liu J, Ma X, Shi X, Wang Y, Bai L, Wang Y and Li W
 Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is an important time window for early prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Regular physical activity (PA) has positive effects on cognitive functions. Little is known about the actual PA levels and social-ecological correlates in people with SCD. This study aimed to describe PA level and examine the individual, interpersonal, and neighborhood environmental correlates of PA among older adults with SCD in the Chinese community.
Feasibility and Acceptance of a Remotely Supervised Home-Based Group Mobility Exercise for Older Adults Using a Mobile Robotic Telepresence: A Pilot Study
Robin L, Borel B, Mandigout S, De Serres-Lafontaine A and Batcho CS
 Mobile robotic telepresence could be used to remotely supervise physical activity programs. Our study aims to explore the feasibility, acceptance, and usability of a physical activity program offered synchronously via a mobile robotic telepresence platform.
Accelerometer-Measured Volumes of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Functional Fitness in Older Adults
Cruz D, Freire YA, Rosa-Souza FJ, Cabral LLP, Silva RM, Camara M, Waters DL, Browne RAV and Costa EC
The objective of this study is to investigate the association between different volumes of accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and functional fitness in older adults in a cross-sectional study (n = 242; 66 ± 5 years; 80% women). MVPA was assessed by accelerometer for 1 week. Based on the MVPA recommendations, the participants were classified as: (a) inactive (<50 min/week), (b) somewhat active (50-99 min/week), (c) moderately active (100-149 min/week), and (d) active (≥150 min/week). These groups reflect <33%, 33%-66%, 67%-99%, and ≥100% of the MVPA recommendations, respectively. Functional fitness was assessed by the Senior Fitness Test battery: 6-min walk test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), 30-s chair stand test, 30-s arm curl test, chair sit-and-reach test, and back scratch test. In addition to the analysis for each functional fitness test, a total functional fitness score was calculated by the sum of the z scores of all tests. Generalized linear models were used for data analyses (reference: inactive). Compared with the inactive group (n = 59), the somewhat active group (n = 47) had better performance on the 6MWT and TUG (p < .05). The moderately active group (n = 47) had better performance on the 6MWT, TUG, 30-s chair stand test, and the total functional fitness score (p < .05). The active group (n = 89) had better performance on the 6MWT, TUG, 30-s chair stand test, chair sit-and-reach test, and the total functional fitness score (p < .05). Older adults who engaged in higher volumes of MVPA had better performance in more functional fitness components. However, lower than recommended volumes of MVPA (meeting ≥50 min/week) were also associated with greater lower limb functional fitness performance.
Direct Observations of Intergenerational Visits and Activities at Six Local Recreational Parks in Victoria, Australia
Levinger P, Dreher B, Fearn M, Bauman A, Brusco NK, Gilbert A, Soh SE, Burton E, Hallissey M and Hill KD
Local parks offer outdoor spaces for active play; they provide a common attractive space in which grandparents and grandchildren can interact and engage in physical activity. This study investigated how multigenerational active spaces within local parks were being used by older people, their grandchildren, and other age groups.
It Has To Be My Way-Reducing Sedentary Time in the Transition to Retirement
Hultman L, Eklund C, von Heideken Wågert P, Söderlund A and Elfström ML
Sedentary behavior is highly prevalent in older adults transitioning to retirement. Sedentary time is all of the time spent in sedentary behavior, and prolonged sedentary time is associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions among older adults transitioning from working life to retirement regarding self-management strategies for reducing sedentary time and adhering to the reduced sedentary time.
Accuracy of an Activity Monitor in Assessing Physical Activity of Hospitalized Geriatric Rehabilitation Patients With Slow Walking Speed Using a Walking Aid
van Dijk M, Bijnens W, Van Driessche C, Van Meerbeek T, Allegaert P, Van Cleynenbreugel H, Verschueren S, Verheyden G, Tournoy J and Flamaing J
Accurate assessment of physical activity is essential in hospital settings, but difficult for geriatric rehabilitation patients who have slow walking speed and rely on walking aids. This study conducted an external validation of the MOX activity monitor accuracy in distinguishing between sedentary (lying, sitting), standing, and dynamic activities among hospitalized geriatric rehabilitation patients. Additionally, the study assessed clinical tolerance and ease of use of the monitor.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Breaking up/Interrupting Sedentary Behavior on Health Outcomes Among Community-Dwelling Adults 60+ Years
Swartz AM, Steinbrink GM, Strath SJ, Mitra T and Morelli WA
 The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence regarding the impact of breaks in sedentary time on cardiovascular, metabolic, functional, and psychosocial health of adults aged 60 years and older.
Association Between Objective Sleep and Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults With Low Back Pain Receiving Physical Therapy Care: A Secondary Analysis of a Responsiveness Study
Silva S, Pinto RZ, Mendes G, Santos RL, Grade I, de Mello MT, Hayden JA and Silva A
Sleep seems to be associated with worse low back pain (LBP) outcomes in older adults; however, studies investigating the association of objective sleep with future changes in LBP outcomes are lacking. The objectives of this study are as follows: (a) to investigate the association between objectively measured sleep with changes in clinical outcomes in older adults with LBP receiving physical therapy care and (b) to examine the cross-sectional association between sleep and pain catastrophizing.
Rehabilitation Services Improve Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Capability in Patients After Discharge From Convalescent Rehabilitation Wards
Matsushita T, Kawakami M, Nemugaki S, Maeda K, Kanatani K, Akimoto K, Ohnaka K, Ohta T and Tokunaga Y
There is a notable lack of evidence regarding the long-term effects of rehabilitation services, particularly concerning functional recovery and daily living activities of patients following discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards. This study aimed to clarify the longitudinal changes in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living of patients after discharge from a convalescent rehabilitation ward and the association between the use of rehabilitation services and clinical outcomes.
The COVID Pandemic Worsened Physical Activity Disproportionately in Frailer Adults: A Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
O'Brien M, Mayo A and Theou O
Frailty is associated with increased hospitalization and mortality and may be exacerbated with physical inactivity. The COVID-19 pandemic has heterogeneously impacted peoples' physical activity level, but the impact on the frail population is unclear.