Current Aging Science - Volume 5, Issue 1, 2012

The effects of age on control of fingertip forces, across five days of practice, were determined for an isometric precision pinch grip task. The task involved controlling a computer cursor so that it traveled upward and horizontally on a 45 degree template line by applying X-axis isometric force with contraction of the thumb, and Y-axis force with the index finger. Upon reaching a reverse circle target, the cursor was returned to t Read More

It is important to know about how frail older people experience their physical decline and how they adapt to their bodily changes so that the health system can design preventive interventions targeting this group early on in the disability process.The aim of this study was to explore how older people perceive their physical decline. The study is qualitative in design and based on interviews with older persons, who were in an acut Read More

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese form of conditioning exercise derived from martial arts and rooted in eastern philosophy and Chinese Medicine. Based on the inter-relatedness of mind, body and spirit this form of exercise focuses on producing an inner calmness which is thought to have both physical and psychological therapeutic value. This article provides a brief overview of selected current evidence examining the relations Read More

Parkinson's disease (PD) is clinically characterized by symptoms of akinesia, rigidity, and resting tremor, which are related to a dopaminergic deficiency of the nigrostriatal pathway. Disorders of gait are common symptoms of PD that affect the quality of life in these patients. One of the main focuses of physical rehabilitation in PD is to improve the gait deficits in the patients. In the last decade, a small number of studies h Read More

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a distressing condition that affects the lifestyle of older people. To investigate the relationship between UI and physical activity among older adults, a community-based study was conducted in Japan. Methods: A total of 700 men and 300 women (mean age 66.2, SD 7.7 years) were recruited from the community in middle and southern Japan. The International Consultation on Incontinenc Read More

Positive influences of physical activity both on many chronic diseases and on preservation of mobility are well documented. But chronically ill or mobility restricted elderly living in their own homes are difficult to reach for interventions. The general practitioner's (GP) surgery offers one of the few opportunities to give advice for physical activity to those people. We used program theory to sound out knowledge on GP-centered Read More

Gait disorders have been identified as one of the most influential physical impairments associated with deterioration in daily living activities among the elderly. A better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for gait disorders is important for developing intervention strategies for the elderly. In recent years, positron emission tomography (PET) and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) have been used to monitor glucose upt Read More

Background: Although regular physical activity can facilitate healthy aging, improve functional capacity, and prevent chronic diseases in the elderly, many of the Japanese elderly are not sufficiently active. Thus, examining the determinants is an important prerequisite for designing effective programs. The present study investigated the demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental determinants of meeting the n Read More

Background: The benefits of physical activity in old age are well documented. However, studies have shown that older adults are insufficiently active. One of the reported barriers to physical activity is fear of injuries. Objective: To review available data on the rate of injuries related to sport and purposeful physical activity in advanced aged. Methods: A systematic review of reports published in English, identified by searching f Read More

Individuals with knee osteoarthritis, a painful debilitating joint disease affecting many aging adults, are commonly encouraged to pursue a variety of exercise regimens. However, very few studies have specifically focused on barriers and facilitators of exercise adherence as related to knee osteoarthritis. This review focuses on what is known about exercise adherence, as well as those factors that influence exercise adheren Read More