AI Article Synopsis

  • The study focused on a 400-meter walk test to evaluate walking endurance in older adults aged 70-79 as part of the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study.
  • Analysis revealed that slower walking times were linked to both clinical and subclinical diseases, body weight variations, and low physical activity levels among participants.
  • Results suggest that walking performance not only reflects the health status of older adults but also their fitness levels, making it a valuable measure of overall physiological reserve.

Article Abstract

Background: The long-distance corridor walk is a timed 400-meter walk test used to assess walking endurance in well-functioning men and women aged 70-79 in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study.

Methods: We examined walking time along with heart rate and blood pressure response in relationship to prevalent chronic conditions, weight, physical activity, and markers of subclinical disease. Of 3075 participants, 2324 (76%) completed the test with heart rate and blood pressure responses in the range expected for a moderate level of exertion.

Results: Slower walking time was influenced by both clinical and subclinical disease, and also was strongly related to both low and high body weight and low self-reported physical activity. Heart rate and blood pressure responses were higher with several clinical and subclinical diseases, but heart rate response and recovery were more strongly related to walking time than to disease. Higher body mass index and lower physical activity were associated with greater heart rate response and recovery.

Conclusions: The independent contribution of both clinical and subclinical disease to walking time supports the use of walking tests as a summary measure of disease in older adults. The independent association of walking time with physical activity suggests that it is sensitive to levels of fitness as well. Together these findings show that walking performance is a valid indicator of physiologic reserve in older adults.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/gerona/58.8.m715DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

walking time
20
heart rate
20
physical activity
16
rate blood
12
blood pressure
12
subclinical disease
12
clinical subclinical
12
walking
9
walking performance
8
health aging
8

Similar Publications

Background: Therapeutic advancements for the polyglutamine diseases, particularly spinocerebellar degeneration, are eagerly awaited. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and therapeutic effects of L-arginine, which inhibits the conformational change and aggregation of polyglutamine proteins, in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6).

Methods: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial (clinical trial ID: AJA030-002, registration number: jRCT2031200135) was performed on 40 genetically confirmed SCA6 patients enrolled between September 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The physical process in the macroscopic world unfolds along a single time direction, while the evolution of a quantum system is reversible in principle. How to recover a quantum system to its past state is a complex issue of both fundamental and practical interests. In this article, we experimentally demonstrate a novel method for recovering the state in quantum walks (QWs), also known as full-state revival.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The degeneration of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons disrupts the neural control of natural behavior, such as walking, posture, and gait in Parkinson's disease. While some aspects of motor symptoms can be managed by dopamine replacement therapies, others respond poorly. Recent advancements in machine learning-based technologies offer opportunities for unbiased segmentation and quantification of natural behavior in both healthy and diseased states.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Current clinical practice guidelines support structured, progressive protocols for improving walking after stroke. Technology enables monitoring of exercise and therapy intensity, but safety concerns could also be addressed. This study explores functional mobility in post-stroke individuals using wearable technology to quantify movement smoothness-an indicator of safe mobility.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease that causes pain and disability, impairing physical function. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is recommended for knee osteoarthritis, while stationary time, independent of activity, may negatively impact health outcomes. We hypothesised that individuals with the highest MVPA and lowest stationary time would have better long-term function compared to those with the lowest MVPA and highest stationary time, as well as those with high levels of both MVPA and stationary time.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!