IMPORTANCEStrength training exercise is recommended for improving physical function in older adults. However, whether strength training (lifting and lowering weights under control) and power training (PT) (lifting weights fast and lowering under control) are associated with improved physical function in older adults is not clear. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether PT vs traditional strength training is associated with physical function improvement in older adults.

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) questionnaire in an ethnically diverse sample. Participants (N = 39) were asked to wear an accelerometer at the hip for at least 7 days and to complete the EVS at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of the wear period. The EVS questionnaire validity was determined against accelerometry, and bias was calculated as the mean difference between measures. The sensitivity and specificity of the EVS questionnaire were also evaluated. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between EVS responses at T1 and T2. The mean difference in EVS- and accelerometer-determined time in MVPA was 24 min/wk. The reliability for the questionnaire was excellent (ICC = 0.98). The EVS specificity and sensitivity at T2 were 56% and 78%, respectively. The EVS questionnaire may be an acceptable measure of weekly MVPA time compared to accelerometry in an ethnically diverse sample; however, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Physical activity (PA) may improve physical and mental health in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, the associations between PA participation and physical and mental health problems of PLWH in urban settings remain largely unknown. Our objective was to determine the relationships between PA and physical and mental health in urban-dwelling PLWH. There were 289 adult PLWH who responded to an electronic survey including questions on PA and current physical and mental health. The associations between physical and mental health and PA were investigated using linear and logistic regression. A large proportion of participants met recommended volumes of PA. Eighty-three percent of respondents reported symptoms of severe mental distress. Diabetes mellitus was associated with a lower total volume of PA (p = .035). Similarly, depression was negatively associated with muscle-strengthening exercise participation (p = .030). Sufficient amounts of aerobic activity and/or muscle strengthening exercise are associated with better physical and mental health.

No abstract

No abstract