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- Adherence to the mediterranean diet and metabolic health in older adults: insights from a feasibility studyPublication . Alves, Sara Elisa Brás; Fernandes, Hélder; Mendes, Eugénia; Monteiro, António M.; Fernandes, Adília; Vaz, Josiana A.; Pereira, Ana Maria Geraldes Rodrigues; Sá, Leandro Moreira de; Agradém, CarlaThe Mediterranean Diet is known for its protective effects against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by multiple health risk factors, is increasingly concerning in older populations. Understanding dietary impacts on metabolic health is key for promoting healthy ageing. Objectives: This feasibility study aimed to explore the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and metabolic risk factors in older adults participating in a community exercise program and to evaluate the feasibility of applying validated tools in this setting. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was evaluated using the PREDIMED questionnaire, while Metabolic Syndrome was evaluated according to National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. Blood samples were taken following WHO guidelines. Results: Ten participants (mean age 73.1 years; 90% women) were included. 50% showed high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, while 40% had moderate or low adherence. No participants met the full criteria for Metabolic Syndrome. Significant associations were found between Mediterranean Diet adherence and chronic disease (r = 0.869, p < 0.01), and an inverse correlation with the number of Metabolic Syndrome criteria (r = –0.707, p < 0.05). The Mediterranean Diet score was also inversely related to cholesterol (r = –0.740, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was associated with better metabolic profiles, highlighting its potential protective role. The study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating nutritional screening in community exercise programs for older adults. Future research should include larger and longitudinal samples and integrate inflammatory biomarkers.
- Effect of aromatherapy massage with foeniculum vulgare mill. seed essential oil compared to massage on anxiety, well-being, and sleep quality: an exploratory randomized studyPublication . Félix,Beatriz Pires; Rodrigues, Andreia; Sousa, Maria João; Pereira, Olívia R.Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) widely used in the management of several mental and physical conditions. The fennel seed essential oil (FEO) has several biological activities and has been reported as potentially beneficial in the management of anxiety and sleep disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy massage using FEO compared to massage alone on reducing anxiety and improve sleep quality and overall well ]being. FEO was extracted by hydrodistillation, and its chemical composition was determined by GC‐MS. In the aromatherapy trial, 40 participants were randomly divided into the “Massage Group” (n = 20) and the “Aroma Massage Group” (n = 20). Individuals in the “Aroma Massage Group” were treated with 1.6% of FEO diluted in sweet almond oil, while the “Massage Group” only received the massage with sweet almond oil. The intervention consisted of one massage session every 15 days over a 2 months period. The questionnaires on anxiety (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality), and well‐being (WHO‐Five Well‐Being Index (WHO‐5)) were performed at four different times. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with a significance level of 5%. The major compound in FEO was trans‐Anethole (78.2%). In the aromatherapy trial, scores on the State Anxiety scale of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), were significantly lower in the “Aroma Massage Group” compared to “Massage Group” with mean values of 32.47 ± 7.86 and 41.75 ± 11.74, respectively, in Questionnaire 3 (after the last session), corresponding to a difference of −9.28 (p = 0.007). No statistically significant differences were observed over time across the four assessment points, with p = 0.536 for the “Massage Group” and p = 0.381 for the “Aroma Massage Group.” Additionally, the “Aroma Massage Group” showed a higher proportion of individuals reporting strong well‐being (89%) and good sleep (32%) compared to the “Massage Group” (65% and 25%, respectively) in Questionnaire 4 (1 month after the end of the intervention), however, these differences were not statistically significant when considering mean questionnaire scores.