Examinando por Autor "Álvarez, C."

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    Ítem
    Effects of active exergames training on physical functional performance in older females
    (Universidad Catolica San Antonio Murcia, 2022-02) Hernandez-Martínez, J.; Ramirez-Campillo, R.; Álvarez, C.; Valdés-Badilla, P.; Moran, J.; Izquierdo, M.
    Objective: To analyze the effects of 8 weeks of an active exergames training program on walking speed, static balance, timed up-and-go test, and sit-to-stand performance in older females. Methods: Two groups of participants were formed by block-design randomization as follows: (i) control group (n=12; age, 74.1±7.9 years); (ii) 8 week exergames training group (n=13; age, 75.6±9.1 years). Training was undertaken three times per week, including athletic, bowling and table tennis exergames. Each exergame had a duration of 8 min, with 2 min of recovery between exergames. The intensity of the training sessions was controlled using the 10-point rating of perceived exertion scale. Results: Group×time interactions were observed for the 4 m walking speed test, static balance test, timed up-and-go test and the 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (all p<0.01; d=0.46–0.80). Conclusion: Exergames training improve physical functional performance in older females. These results should be considered when designing appropriate and better training programs for older adults, since active exergames training it is an affordable and low-cost alternative for community centres and preventive health units working with this population.
  • Miniatura
    Ítem
    Postural Balance and Gait Parameters of Independent Older Adults: A Sex Difference Analysis
    (MDPI, 2022-02) Espinoza-Araneda, J.; Bravo-Carrasco, V.; Álvarez, C.; Marzuca-Nassr, G.; Muñoz-Mendoza, C.; Muñoz, J.; Caparrós-Manosalva, C.
    Postural balance and gait are important factors in the functional status of older people; however, few studies have addressed differences by sex. The objective of this study was to analyze the postural balance and temporal–spatial parameters of gait in independent older adults by sex. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Thirty-eight independent older women (69 ± 5 years), and 33 men (71 ± 5 years) were evaluated. The postural balance test with open and closed eyes was performed on two surfaces (hard/soft) on a force platform. Gait was recorded with cameras to analyze cycle duration and speed, step length, stride length, and foot clearance. The area of postural balance was greater in men in all tests (p < 0.001). Foot clearance height and cycle duration were lower in women (p < 0.05). Men showed a negative correlation between the area of balance and gait parameters. In women, a positive correlation was observed between foot clearance and balance with eyes closed. The postural balance and gait suggest discrepancies by sex, showing that older men behave differently according to the requirement of the motor task compared to women. These findings suggest being corroborated in more complex studies in the future.