The purpose of this study was to apply deep and slow breathing to the elderly, who can be classified as potential dementia patients, to confirm changes in the cognitive functions of learning and memory. Forty-five elderly subjects were randomly and evenly divided into a rest group (RG), a before group (BG), and an after group (AG). Measurements of their cognitive abilities were obtained before testing (PT), 30 min after learning (STT), and 24 h after learning (LTT). After PT measurements were obtained from all three groups, the RG and AG conducted new cognitive skills learning, while the BG performed deep and slow breathing (DSB) for 30 min before learning new cognitive skills. After all the three groups underwent 30 min of learning, the STT was performed. Subsequently, the AG performed DSB for 30 min. Finally, 24 h after learning, the LTT was conducted for all three groups. Changes were compared and analyzed by measuring the retention of new cognitive skills and attention, working memory, and spatial perception of cognitive functions. A two-way repeated measure analysis of variance measured the effect of the application of DSB in the three groups. These results demonstrated a significant interaction of time and time*group in all measurements of retention and attention, working memory, and spatial perception. This study confirms the benefit of DSB as part of a dementia prevention training protocol.

This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Leg Strength Analyzer (IB-LS) in assessing isometric knee flexion and extension strength in elderly adults, compare its performance with that of the CSMI dynamometer, and examine its agreement with isokinetic knee strength measurements. A total of 21 elderly participants (mean age: 65.10 ± 4.56 years) were recruited. Participants underwent knee flexion and extension strength assessments using both the IB-LS and CSMI devices, with isokinetic strength at 60°/s measured in a follow-up session at least one day later. The IB-LS demonstrated high test–retest reliability in elderly adults (ICC = 0.856–0.987). The validity analysis comparing IB-LS isometric peak torque with CSMI isometric peak torque showed moderate to high validity (ICC = 0.826–0.946). Furthermore, IB-LS isometric peak torque and CSMI isokinetic 60°/s peak torque demonstrated high agreement (ICC = 0.775–0.881), demonstrating its strong association with isokinetic strength assessments. Bland–Altman analysis revealed that mean differences between IB-LS and CSMI isometric peak torque values ranged from 13.2 to 93.5 Nm, with limits of agreement (LoA) spanning from −55.8 to 192.5 Nm. When comparing IB-LS isometric peak torque with CSMI isokinetic 60°/s peak torque, mean differences ranged from 31.0 to 56.0 Nm, with LoA from −28.5 to 138.9 Nm. The IB-LS is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating isometric knee strength in elderly adults. Its strong agreement with the CSMI dynamometer and close correlation with isokinetic strength measurements indicate that IB-LS can be a feasible alternative for assessing knee strength in clinical and research settings focused on elderly populations.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the deep and slow breathing (DSB) on the chain-reaction changes of stress stimulation at over time by measuring electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV). Twenty-six healthy subjects were divided into two different groups: control group (CG) and DSB group (DSBG). All subjects were exposed to a stress-stimulated environment with 80% exercise intensity. After the 80% exercise intensity was maintained for 10 minutes, the subjects rested for 5 minutes and then measuring EEG and HRV. The chain-reaction changes of stress stimulation through EEG and HRV analysis showed that DSBG had higher values of alpha/high-beta ratio and High-Frequency (HF) value of HRV than CG (p <.05), and Low-Frequency/High-Frequency (LF/HF) ratio of DSBG is significant time-group interaction, indicating a significant difference between groups (p <.05). In consequence, DSB will be used as a meaningful intervention for patients of stress-related diseases or potential patients.

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often show gait impairment during dual-task walking and obstacle negotiation. This assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial investigated whether dual-task gait training with visual adaptation, added to a general exercise program, improves gait and related functional outcomes in older adults with MCI. Forty participants aged 65 years or older who met the MCI criteria were randomly allocated to a dual-task gait training with visual adaptation group or a control group (n = 20 each). Spatiotemporal and adaptive gait parameters were assessed before and after 4 weeks of intervention during level walking and during predictable and unpredictable obstacle negotiation under light and noise conditions. Balance, executive function, and concern about falling were also evaluated. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed greater improvements in level walking and predictable obstacle negotiation, including longer step and stride length, shorter step and stride time, higher cadence, and faster gait speed. Under unpredictable obstacle conditions, gains were more selective and were observed mainly in step and stride length and adaptive gait indices. The intervention group also showed greater improvement in balance and executive function and a larger reduction in concern about falling. These findings suggest that adding dual-task gait training with visual adaptation to a general exercise program may have clinical value for improving adaptive gait and related functional outcomes in older adults with MCI. However, because the intervention group received additional gait-specific training and a higher total training dose than the control group, future dose-matched studies are needed to clarify the specific contribution of visual adaptation.

Hee-Ji Lee, Su-Ha Lee, Seong-Joo Lee, Chang-Hyung Lee, Dae-Sung Park. PTRS 2020;9:184-90. https://doi.org/10.14474/ptrs.2020.9.3.184

BACKGROUND Degenerative loss of muscular strength, especially in the knee extensors and flexors, is a hallmark of aging that severely compromises functional independence and elevates fall risk among older adults. Precise quantification of muscular strength is therefore essential for effective diagnosis and intervention in geriatric rehabilitation. Although isokinetic dynamometry remains the reference standard for objective strength measurement, its cost, bulk, and operational complexity hinder its applicability in real-world clinical and community settings. Portable isometric testing devices offer a practical alternative, but rigorous validation studies are needed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to establish the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Leg Strength Analyzer (IB-LS), a compact isometric dynamometry device developed by InBody Inc., against a gold-standard isokinetic dynamometer (CSMI Humac Norm) in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. METHODS Twenty-one older adults (mean age: 65.10 ± 4.56 years; 11 men, 10 women) were recruited from senior community centers. Participants underwent standardized testing of bilateral knee extension and flexion strength using both the IB-LS and CSMI systems. The IB-LS protocol involved three maximal voluntary contractions per movement per limb, performed on the same day for test-retest assessment. A follow-up session was conducted 24 hours later for 17 participants, during which isokinetic strength testing at 60°/s was performed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to evaluate intra-device reliability and inter-device validity. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess agreement and bias across devices. RESULTS The IB-LS demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability, with ICCs ranging from 0.856 to 0.987 across all testing conditions. Concurrent validity analyses revealed strong correlations between IB-LS and CSMI-derived measurements: ICCs ranged from 0.826 to 0.946 for isometric comparisons and from 0.775 to 0.881 for isokinetic comparisons. Bland-Altman analyses indicated acceptable limits of agreement, with no evidence of systematic measurement bias. The mean difference in torque between devices ranged from 13.2 to 93.5 Nm for isometric data and 31.0 to 56.0 Nm for isokinetic comparisons. CONCLUSIONS The findings substantiate the IB-LS as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing isometric knee strength in older adults. Its high agreement with standard dynamometry and user-friendly design position it as a feasible solution for strength assessment in clinical and community-based geriatric care. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable.