Physical exercise is effective for sarcopenic elderly but evidence for the most effective mode of exercise is conflicting. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a three-month group-based versus home-based exercise program on muscular, functional/physical performance and quality of life (QoL) across elderly with sarcopenia. 54 elderly (47 women, 7 men aged 72.87 ± 7 years) were randomly assigned to one of three interventions: supervised group (n = 18), individualized home-based exercise (n = 18) and control group (n = 18). Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, calf measurement with inelastic tape and strength assessments (grip and knee muscle strength) via hand-held and isokinetic dynamometers. Functional assessments included four-meter (4 m), Τimed-Up and Go (TUG) and chair stand (CS) tests. QoL was assessed with Greek Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQol_GR) questionnaire. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention (week 12), and 3 months post-intervention (week 24). Significant group x time interactions (p < 0.001) were observed in QoL, calf circumference, TUG, CS, and 4 m tests, grip and knee muscle strength. Group-based compared to home-based exercise yielded significant improvements (p < 0.05) in muscle mass index, CS and 4 m tests, calf circumference, muscle strength at 12 weeks. Most improvements at 24 weeks were reported with grouped exercise. No changes were found across the control group. Results suggest group-based exercise was more effective than home-based for improving functional performance.

Sarcopenia is recognized as a major health problem among older adults. This syndrome is associated with serious health consequences in terms of frailty, disability, morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to review sarcopenia and its impact on quality of life (QoL). MEDLINE database was searched from January to March 2016 using predefined search terms "sarcopenia", quality of life". Based on extensive literature search, 32 articles were identified while only 6 studies met the inclusion criteria and were associated with sarcopenia and QoL. Quality of life level was measured using generic self-reported tools; the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-form General Health Survey (SF-36) in 4 studies and EuroQol-5D instrument (EQ-5D) in 2 studies. Subjects with sarcopenia demonstrated a significantly high proportion of problems relating to several dimensions of QoL. More studies based on Sarcopenia and QoL are needed. Although the impact of sarcopenia on QoL was assessed in all studies with QoL generic instruments, it would be more insightful to utilise a disease-specific quality of life questionnaire, such as the SarQoL for sarcopenic subjects.

The aim of this pilot study was to add weight to a hypothesis according to which patients presenting with chronic neck pain could have a predisposition towards respiratory dysfunction. Twelve patients with chronic neck pain and 12 matched controls participated in this study. Spirometric values, maximal static pressures, forward head posture and functional tests were examined in all subjects. According to the results, chronic neck patients presented with a statistically significant decreased maximal voluntary ventilation (P = 0.042) and respiratory muscle strength (Pimax and Pemax), (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, the current study demonstrated a strong association between an increased forward head posture and decreased respiratory muscle strength in neck pateits. The connection of neck pain and respiratory function could be an important consideration in relation to patient assessment, rehabilitation and consumption of pharmacological agents.

The Greek FES-I was valid, reliable, comprehensible and acceptable for the sample tested and may thus, be used in cross-cultural rehabilitation research and practice.

No abstract