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L Puggaard

Publications and source records attributed to L Puggaard.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Reproducibility and relationship of single-joint strength vs multi-joint strength and power in aging individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Reliable and sensitive muscle strength/power assessments are essential when evaluating age-related and/or training-induced changes in maximal strength and power. AIM: To investigate the reproducibility and inter-relationship of single-joint isokinetic/isometric leg muscle strength vs multi-joint mechanical muscle function during counter-movement jump (CMJ) in moderately trained aging individuals (age 72.3+/-6.6). RESULTS: The within-subject coefficient of variation (CV(w-s)) for the single-joint test showed good reproducibility (<10%) for quadriceps and hamstring strength (except for hamstring isometric). Plantar flexion demonstrated good to moderate reproducibility (CV(w-s) range: 10.4-17.2%). Excellent to good CV(w-s) (<10%) was observed for all concentric CMJ parameters, except for plantar flexor mean work (CV(w-s)=13%). Eccentric CMJ parameters demonstrated good to moderate reproducibility (CV(w-s) range: 8.1-18.2%). Isokinetic and isometric quadriceps, hamstring and plantar flexor single-joint strength measurements were found to correlate with several CMJ parameters. CONCLUSION: Single-joint and multi-joint strength and power assessment tests of the lower limbs appear to be reproducible in aging individuals. Furthermore, associations between single-joint strength and multi-joint CMJ power and force variables exist. To evaluate functional capacity in elderly people further investigations must be carried out to identify specific power/strength parameters that are most tightly linked to functional performance.

Aging↗
PubMed2003

Effects of training on functional performance in 65, 75 and 85 year-old women: experiences deriving from community based studies in Odense, Denmark.

The aim of the Odense training studies is to elucidate if regular physical training influences the expected decline in physical functional ability in order to assess capacity for postponing dependence in old age. All participants were healthy community-dwelling women representing three different age-cohorts of 65, 75 and 85 year-old subjects. The 65 and 85 year-old participants of the training group took part in physical class-based exercises for eight months with one session of 60 min a week, whereas the 75 year-old women trained twice a week over eight months. The multicomponent training consisted of various exercises typically involving body awareness, rhythm, aerobic performance (walking), muscle strength and muscle endurance, flexibility, reaction and balance exercises. Physical ability was measured as physical performance test (PPT), isometric muscle strength of the trunk, hip and leg, aerobic capacity and walking speed. This shows that regular training can significantly improve physical ability of elderly women with regard to PPT, maximal oxygen uptake and maximal walking speed, suggesting that both young-old and old-old women are able to benefit from regular tailored exercise training. Thus, physical training of old community-dwelling women appears to represent a prophylactic remedy that merits further research aimed at evaluating the preliminary findings of the present studies in larger, less selective groups of participants.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Contraction-specific differences in maximal muscle power during stretch-shortening cycle movements in elderly males and females.

Elderly people (age 75 years; n = 48 males and 34 females) were studied in order to elucidate gender differences in elderly subjects on the determinants of muscle power (force and velocity) during a stretch-shortening cycle. All subjects performed three maximal counter-movement vertical jumps using both legs, on a force platform (Kistler 9281 B). The eccentric (Ep) and concentric (Cp) phases of the jumps were analyzed. The Ep was further divided into an acceleration phase (Epacc: from the start of the downward movement to the maximal negative velocity) and deceleration phase (Epdec: from the maximal negative velocity to the end of the downward movement). Jump height for the men was higher than for the women (P < 0.001). During both Epacc and Epdec no significant differences were observed between males and females in force and power generation. However, the men had a higher peak muscle power during the Cp, which may be explained exclusively by the velocity determinant (P < 0.001). No specific gender-related strategy appeared to influence the motor pattern of the movement. The comparable eccentric force generation of the leg extensors in both genders suggests a similar ability to cope with eccentric muscle actions during everyday activities. In contrast, the marked lower capacity for concentric contractions in women may result in an impaired performance, especially in activities where intense and rapid movements are essential, for example when reversing a forward fall. This may be one reason why elderly women are more prone to falls than are elderly men.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2000

Maximal oxygen uptake, muscle strength and walking speed in 85-year-old women: effects of increased physical activity.

This study explores the effect of regular training on blood pressure, maximal oxygen uptake, maximal isometric muscle strength, and walking speed in the very old. A total of 55 community-dwelling women, 85-year-old, were enrolled in a training group (N = 22) or a control group (N = 33). These groups were reduced to 19 and 26 subjects, respectively, after the training period. Training was performed once a week over eight months, and consisted of various exercises with particular attention to movements important for everyday activities. Training reduced diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05), and showed a similar trend for systolic blood pressure. Measurements of maximal oxygen uptake before the start of the training (15 mL min-1 kg-1) revealed a level close to the presumed limit for independent living (13 mL min-1 kg-1). Training improved VO2 max by 18% (p < 0.05), whereas the control group experienced a trend towards a reduction. Maximal isometric muscle strength of both the right and left leg showed a tendency to increase with training, but no significant changes were evident in the trunk flexor and extensor muscles. The training group showed a significant increase of 17% in maximal walking speed after the training period. However, one year later, without training, this improvement was reduced to 8% (p < 0.05). No major changes were observed in the control group for any of these parameters. This study demonstrates a maximal oxygen capacity in very old community-dwelling women close to a threshold level indicating dependency. Furthermore, 8 months of regular training appears to lower blood pressure, and to increase maximal oxygen uptake and maximal walking speed. This suggests that physical reactivation of the very old may reduce the risk for acquiring age-related diseases associated with an elevated blood pressure, and may improve parameters crucial for independence.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Anal sphincter repair in patients with obstetric trauma: age affects outcome.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine whether advancing age affects the outcome of anal sphincter repair in patients with obstetric trauma and fecal incontinence. METHODS: Anal sphincter repair was performed on 24 patients younger than 40 (median age, 30) years and on 14 patients older than 40 (median age, 57) years. All patients had previous obstetric trauma. RESULTS: Twenty patients younger than 40 years (83 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 63-95 percent) became continent, or incontinent to flatus only, after anal sphincter repair, whereas four patients had unchanged incontinence. Among patients older than 40 years, six patients (43 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 18-71 percent) became continent, whereas eight patients remained incontinent (40 percent difference in functional outcome between younger and older patients; 95 percent confidence interval, 10-70 percent). CONCLUSION: Older females have a poorer outcome of anal sphincter repair for obstetric trauma compared with younger females.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Body composition in 85 year-old women: effects of increased physical activity.

This study explores whether regular training alters body composition and resting metabolism in the very old. A total of 55 community-dwelling women, 85 years old, were enrolled in a training group (N = 22) and a control group (N = 33). Training was performed once a week for eight months, and consisted of various exercises with particular attention to movements important for everyday activities. Before, immediately after, and one year after cessation of training, body composition was evaluated both by an impedance measurement and a whole body scan by dual-photon X-ray absorptiometry. Resting metabolism, assessed as energy expenditure at rest, was measured with standardized protocols by analyzing oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. Height declined in both groups throughout the study. Immediately after the training period, body weight showed a trend towards reduced levels in the training group, and an opposite trend in the control group. The control group showed an increased body mass index (p < 0.05) related to an increase in fat mass immediately after the training period; these parameters were unaltered in the training group. A reduction in fat free mass (p < 0.05) and bone mineral content (p < 0.05), and unaltered energy expenditure at rest were evident in both groups during the course of the study. These results suggest that regular training can counteract the age-related accumulation of fat in the very old. Physical reactivation, therefore, may possess an important potential for reducing morbidity in the very old by lowering fat mass, and thereby reducing the risk of acquiring several age-related diseases.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1999

Stress response to endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is often accompanied by tachycardia, which may lead to myocardial ischaemia. The pathogenesis for tachycardia is unknown, but the classic endocrine stress response may be of importance. METHODS: Seventeen patients (median age, 60 years) undergoing diagnostic gastroscopy without sedation or supplemental oxygen therapy were monitored by means of electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry from 20 min before to 2 h after the procedure. Blood concentrations of glucose, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine were measured before, during, and after the endoscopy. Anxiety level was rated before the examination. RESULTS: Endoscopy was followed by a significant increase in norepinephrine and cortisol levels concomitant with a significant peak in heart rate (76 to 90 min(-1)) and mean arterial blood pressure (97 to 111 mmHg). Epinephrine was significantly reduced after the endoscopic procedure. We found no changes in glucose level or in arterial oxygen saturation. None of the patients developed signs of myocardial ischaemia during the procedure. There was no correlation between preendoscopy anxiety and the different stress variables (P > 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic procedure induces a classic endocrine metabolic stress response, probably causing the observed tachycardia.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Prostatic enlargement, symptomatology and pressure/flow evaluation: interrelations in patients with symptomatic BPH.

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common pathologic condition to afflict the aging male. Many patients with symptomatic BPH undergo prostatectomy without rigorous evaluation. Three concepts should be considered before any treatment of a patient with symptomatic BPH; Prostatic enlargement, symptomatology and bladder outflow obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 188 consecutive patients with symptomatic BPH, all eligible after pressure/flow examination. One-hundred-seventy-four of the patients answered the DAN-PSS questionnaire, 140 of the patients had their prostate size measured by transrectal ultrasonography. One-hundred-fifty-three patients were able to perform a free flow measurement upon arrival. Uroflowmetry, symptomatology and prostate size were matched with the results of pressure/flow examination. RESULTS: Neither uroflowmetry, symptomatology nor prostate size correlated well with bladder outlet obstruction. The positive predictive value for infravesical obstruction was 88% if a maximum flow rate under 10 ml/s was used. Symptomatology could not be used to differentiate between patients with bladder outlet obstruction and patients without obstruction. The positive predictive value for infravesical obstruction was 76% if a prostate volume over 40 ml was chosen. DISCUSSION: The purpose of diagnostic evaluation in patients with BPH, is to identify precisely the pathophysiology underlying the patients condition, so that rational therapy can be selected. CONCLUSION: The disease entity of BPH is characterized by the interaction of prostate enlargement, the subjective symptom complex of prostatism, and urodynamic infravesical obstruction. Since it is impossible to interpolate from one to another of these conditions, a comprehensive evaluation of a patient with symptomatic BPH should include an assessment of all of these conditions.

Adult↗