Changes in Objective and Self-Reported Measures of Physical Capacity After an Intervention in Obese Older Women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if objective and self-reported measures of physical capacity are two equivalent methods to detect changes following an intervention in obese older women. 36 obese women aged between 55 and 75 years participated in a 3-month study with the aim of improving physical capacity by caloric restriction and/or resistance training. Physical capacity was measured objectively with 10 different tests and self-reported with the SF-36 physical functioning score (SF-36 PF score). Then the performance-to-objective tests were computed using quartiles to provide a baseline global physical capacity score. The mean percentage of change of the 10 tests as well as the SF-36 PF score were also calculated after the study. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray (DXA) absorptiometry. The baseline global physical capacity score and the SF-36 PF score were significantly correlated at baseline (r = 0.43; P < 0.01). Eight out of the 10 objective tests of physical capacity improved after the intervention, while no improvement was observed for the SF-36 PF score. On average, percentage of change in physical capacity was 4.1 +/- 5.9% for the SF-36 PF score and 11.1 +/- 2.9% for the objective measures. However, no significant correlation was observed between percentage of changes between the two approaches after the intervention (r = 0.32; P = 0.07). Based on these results, the method used to quantify physical capacity after an intervention may have major implications on the outcomes. The methods used should be carefully analyzed in regard to the objective of the study.

The effects of lifestyle interventions in dynapenic-obese postmenopausal women

“…30 The supervised weight loss program contained 55%, 30%, and 15% of energy intake from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as recommended by the American Heart Association. 31 Food was self-selected with dietician supervision on macronutrient selection, without the use of food supplements.…”

“…A standard oneYrepetition maximum evaluation was initially performed for each exercise and repeated at 6 and 12 weeks to adapt workload during training. 30 All training sessions started with a warm-up period consisting of 5 minutes of low-intensity cycling. The participants then performed the load phase of RT consisting of three series of eight repetitions for nine exercises (leg press, leg extension, calf extension, sit-up, chest press, shoulder press, seated rows, triceps extensions, arm curls).…”

“…Both the CR and CR + RT groups were invited to participate in a weekly nutritional information session, as previously described. 30 Briefly, to ensure weight loss protocol adherence, participants completed a food diary and were weighed once a week by the research staff when they first arrived for the weekly group meeting. Through those meetings, the nutritionist fixed individual caloric intake prescription for the following week and discussed different topics related to healthy eating and weight loss.…”

The aging musculoskeletal system and obesity-related considerations with exercise

“…AX involves rhythmic, large muscle activity such as brisk walking, stationary cycling, stair stepping or aquatic exercise. Two studies were completed in the U.S. (Avila et al, 2010; Vincent et al, 2006), three in Canada (Bouchard et al, 2009, 2010; Davison et al, 2002), and one in Korea (Lim et al, 2010). Intervention periods ranged from 2 to 6 months in duration and were comprised of sample sizes of 27–75 participants.…”

“…The obese RX training group lost fat mass and demonstrated a 15% increase in walking time and an 18% increase in overall strength compared to no significant changes in the control group. Bouchard et al (2009, 2010) published two studies from a population of Canadian women. In the first study, participants were randomized to one of four groups for a 3-month intervention: diet, diet and RX, RX alone or a control group.…”