Publications by authors named "Jacinda Meiklejohn"

We sought to determine the effects of 12 months of power training on cognition, and whether improvements in body composition, muscle strength, and/or aerobic capacity (VO2peak) were associated with improvements in cognition in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants with T2D were randomized to power training or low-intensity sham exercise control condition, 3 days per week for 12 months. Cognitive outcomes included memory, attention/speed, executive function, and global cognition.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: We examined the effect of power training on habitual, intervention and total physical activity (PA) levels in older adults with type 2 diabetes and their relationship to metabolic control.

Materials And Methods: 103 adults with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive supervised power training or sham exercise three times/week for 12 months. Habitual, intervention, and total PA, as well as insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were measured.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Dementia affects 47 million individuals worldwide, and assuming the status quo is projected to rise to 150 million by 2050. Prevention of age-related cognitive impairment in older persons with lifestyle interventions continues to garner evidence but whether this can combat underlying neurodegeneration is unknown. The Study of Mental Activity and Resistance Training (SMART) trial has previously reported within-training findings; the aim of this study was to investigate the long-term neurostructural and cognitive impact of resistance exercise in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Mediterranean diet is associated with multiple health benefits. Yet, no tool has been specifically developed to assess adherence to the 'traditional' Mediterranean diet and cuisine within a Western cohort, and validated for online use. We tested the reliability and validity of online administration of the Mediterranean Diet and Culinary Index (MediCul) among middle-aged and older adults.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Maintain Your Brain (MYB) is a randomized controlled trial of an online multi-modal lifestyle intervention targeting modifiable dementia risk factors with its primary aim being to reduce cognitive decline in an older age cohort.

Methods: MYB aims to recruit 8,500 non-demented community dwelling 55 to 77 year olds from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study in New South Wales, Australia. Participants will be screened for risk factors related to four modules that comprise the MYB intervention: physical activity, nutrition, mental health, and cognitive training.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Dementia is a significant health concern with no current cure, but following a Mediterranean diet may help slow cognitive decline in at-risk individuals.
  • A study evaluated the Mediterranean Diet and Culinary Index (MediCul) for its reliability and validity among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), finding it to have very good reliability and moderate validity.
  • The results indicate that while MediCul captures adherence to the Mediterranean diet, it tends to overestimate dietary intake compared to food records, suggesting its potential for future research on diet and cognitive health.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: To determine whether improvements in aerobic capacity (VO ) and strength after progressive resistance training (PRT) mediate improvements in cognitive function.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, double-sham, controlled trial.

Setting: University research facility.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is projected to affect 439 million people by 2030. Medical management focuses on controlling blood glucose levels pharmacologically in a disease that is closely related to lifestyle factors such as diet and inactivity. Physical activity guidelines include aerobic exercise at intensities or volumes potentially unreachable for older adults limited by many co-morbidities.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions among older adults, with the medial tibio-femoral joint being most frequently affected. The knee adduction moment is recognized as a surrogate measure of the medial tibio-femoral compartment joint load and therefore represents a valid intervention target. This article provides the rationale and methodology for THE LO study (Train High, Eat Low for Osteoarthritis), which is a randomized controlled trial that is investigating the effects of a unique, targeted lifestyle intervention in overweight/obese adults with symptomatic medial knee OA.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increases dementia risk with no pharmacologic treatment available.

Methods: The Study of Mental and Resistance Training was a randomized, double-blind, double-sham controlled trial of adults with MCI. Participants were randomized to 2 supervised interventions: active or sham physical training (high intensity progressive resistance training vs seated calisthenics) plus active or sham cognitive training (computerized, multidomain cognitive training vs watching videos/quizzes), 2-3 days/week for 6 months with 18-month follow-up.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Reductions in skeletal muscle mass and increased adiposity are key elements in the aging process and in the pathophysiology of several chronic diseases. Systemic low grade inflammation associated with obesity has been shown to accelerate the age-related decline in skeletal muscle. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of 12 months of progressive resistance training (PRT) on systemic inflammation, and whether reductions in systemic inflammation were associated with changes in body composition.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To investigate changes in body composition after 12 months of high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) in relation to changes in insulin resistance (IR) or glucose homeostasis in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Research Design And Methods: One-hundred three participants were randomized to receive either PRT or sham exercise 3 days per week for 12 months. Homeostasis model assessment 2 of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were used as indices of IR and glucose homeostasis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF