Abbas Saremi, Ali Akbar Farahani, Nader Shavandi,
Volume 20, Issue 6 (9-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Physical exercise is an important and effective part of comprehensive care of seniors, which declines aging progression. Because of the importance of physical activity in cardiovascular diseases prevention this study intends to investigate the comparision of structural and functional characterictics of the heart between middle- aged montaineer men and non-athlete peers.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive–analytical study, 13 middle- aged montaineer (age: 54.5±2.0 y, body mass index: 25.59±2.4 kg/m2) who have continues mountain activities during previous 24 months for at least 2 sessions per week, each session lasted 120 minute, and 14 sedentary, healthy peers (age: 54.1±2.2 y, body mass index: 26.8±2.3 kg/m2) who were not currently experiencing any regular physical activity (at least 6 months), were selected. All subjects underwent standard two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography at rest. Cardio respiratory fitness was assessed using Bruce test. T test was used to compare groups with α=0.05.
Results: The results showed that mountain activities significantly increased left ventricular mass (p=0.03) and left-ventricular-end-diastolic-diameter (p=0.04). We also observed that systolic blood pressure (p=0.04), ejection fraction (p=0.05), stroke volume (p=0.03) and cardio respiratory fitness (p=0.03) were significantly improved by mountain climbing. In some of parameters such as shortening fraction, interventicular septum and left ventricular posterior wall there were no significant differences between groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: These results suggest that regular mountain sports activities can have beneficial effects on structural and functional characterictics of the heart in middle-aged men.
Maryam Saghafi Asl, Azimeh Izadi, Vahideh Ebrahimzadeh Attari,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (9-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Older adults, particularly those living in nursing homes, are a vulnerable group whose poor nutritional status and inadequate nutrient intake provide the basis for the incidence of diseases and increase their health costs. The aim of the present study was to compare the Index for Nutritional Quality (INQ) between institutionalized (nursing-home) and non-institutionalized (community-living) older adults and to investigate its association with serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level in each group.
Methods & Materials: In this case-control, age- and gender-matched study in Tabriz (East Azarbaijan, Iran), o subjects aged 65 years and older were recruited from nursing homes (n=76) and community (n=88). Anthropometric parameters were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A three-day record of the foods provided for the nursing home residents were weighed, using a digital scale. The whole food intake of older adults was converted to grams and dietary data were analyzed using Nutritionist IV software. Blood sample was drawn to measure serum hs-CRP level. SPSS software was used for data analysis.
Ethical Considerations: The present research was approved at Research Ethical Committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (Code: TBZMED.REC.1394.152).
Results: In the present study, INQ for all nutrients (except for vitamins A, D, E, biotin, vitamin B6, folic acid, and iron) was significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). The INQ<1 for these nutrients (except for iron) in both groups indicates insufficient intake of these micronutrients. However, INQ for nearly all nutrients (other than selenium) was higher in the community-living older adults, compared to nursing-home residents (P<0.05). The intake of minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, chromium, sodium, and potassium was also insufficient in both groups. Nursing-home residents did not meet their estimated needs for vitamins B2, B12, and copper. A significant reverse association was observed for serum hs-CRP level and INQ for vitamin D (P=0.04) and calcium (P=0.038) in the community-living older adults after adjusting for BMI. Such a correlation was also reported between INQ for vitamin B12 and serum hs-CRP level in both groups (P=0.02).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to pay more attention to the nutritional status of older adults, especially those living in nursing-homes. A diet rich in micronutrients, especially vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12 may help prevent the development of inflammation in old population.
Reavan Afshar, Masoud Rahmati, Rahim Mirnasouri,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Considering the synthesis and secretion of irisin and BDNF from muscle tissue during exercise and the possible relationship of these factors with improving muscle strength and performance, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of strength training on muscle strength, body fat percentage, irisin, and BDNF in inactive middle-aged women.
Methods: In a semi-experimental study, 20 inactive middle-aged women (mean age 37.70 ± 5.91 years, weight 79.80 ± 5.82 kg) were selected and randomly assigned to two strength training groups (n = 10) and control groups (n = 10). The training group performed 12 weeks of strength training, three sessions per week at an intensity of 65 to 80% of maximum strength. Then, blood samples were taken using ELISA to measure irisin and BDNF. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the data. The significance level (P ≤ 0.05) was considered.
Results: Strength training significantly increased serum irisin concentration (P = 0.035) and serum BDNF concentration (P = 0.058) and also considerably decreased body fat percentage (P = 0.058) in middle-aged women. There was also a positive and significant relationship between lower body strength and serum irisin levels (P = 0.040). The Results from the Pearson correlation test indicate a significant positive relationship between BDNF and upper body strength (P = 0.038).
Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, it seems that increased secretion of serum irisin and BDNF hormones is related to increased muscle strength following strength training in middle-aged individuals.
