Walking for Better Outcomes and Recovery: The Effect of WALK-FOR in Preventing Hospital-Associated Functional Decline Among Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 1664-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaniv Cohen ◽  
Anna Zisberg ◽  
Yehudit Chayat ◽  
Nurit Gur-Yaish ◽  
Efrat Gil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Community Mobility ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Activity Survey

Abstract Background In-hospital immobility of older adults is associated with hospital-associated functional decline (HAFD). This study examined the WALK-FOR program’s effects on HAFD prevention. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-post two-group (intervention group [IG] n = 188, control group [CG] n = 189) design was applied in two hospital internal medical units. On admission, patients reported pre-hospitalization functional status, which was assessed again at discharge and 1-month follow-up. Primary outcome was decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL), using the Modified Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes were decline in instrumental ADL (Lawton’s IADL scale) and community mobility (Yale Physical Activity Survey). All participants (75.1 ± 7 years old) were cognitively intact and ambulatory at admission. The WALK-FOR included a unit-tailored mobility program utilizing patient-and-staff education with a specific mobility goal (900 steps per day), measured by accelerometer. Results Decline in BADL occurred among 33% of the CG versus 23% of the IG (p = .02) at discharge, and among 43% of the CG versus 30% in the IG (p = .01) at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, 26% of the CG versus 15% of the IG declined in community mobility at 1-month follow-up (p = .01). Adjusted for major covariates, the intervention reduced the odds of decline in BADL by 41% (p = .05) at discharge and by 49% at 1-month follow-up (p = .01), and in community mobility by 63% (p = .02). There was no significant effect of the intervention on IADL decline (p = .19). Conclusions The WALK-FOR intervention is effective in reducing HAFD.

Effectiveness of end-of-life education among community-dwelling older adults

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miho Matsui
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Wills ◽  
Artificial Nutrition ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Life Education

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention regarding end-of-life discussion directed at older Japanese adults and their attitude to and acceptance of this intervention. A quasi-experimental design was used. A total of 121 older adults, aged 65 years and over, consented to participate. Data from 55 intervention and 57 control participants were used for the analysis. The intervention consisted of an education program comprising a video, a lecture using a handout, and discussion among participants. The control group received only the handout. Both groups were followed up after one month. The intervention group’s attitude became more favorable towards advance directives, especially living wills (P = 0.024). In addition, their expression of preference for life-sustaining treatment by means of artificial nutrition was less at follow up, demonstrating that these older adults had become more autonomous (P = 0.008). There was greater acceptance of the intervention as a whole by the intervention group compared with the control group (P = 0.011). Although few participants overall completed living wills, at follow up twice as many in the intervention group had discussed end-of-life matters with family members and/or their physician.

scholarly journals Teaching and Practicing Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness Skills in a Web-Based Platform among Older Adults through the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10563
Author(s):  
Stav Shapira ◽  
Ella Cohn-Schwartz ◽  
Daphna Yeshua-Katz ◽  
Limor Aharonson-Daniel ◽  
Avram Mark Clarfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Wait List Control

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an acceleration in the development of web-based interventions to alleviate related mental health impacts. The current study explored the effects of a short-term digital group intervention aimed at providing cognitive behavioral and mindfulness tools and skills to reduce loneliness and depression and to increase social support among older adults in Israel. This pilot randomized controlled trial included community-dwelling older adults (n = 82; aged between 65–90 years; 80% female) who were randomized either to an intervention group (n = 64) or a wait-list control group (n = 18). The intervention included seven online sessions, over 3.5 weeks. Depression, loneliness, and social support measures were administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically and clinically significant reductions in depression in the intervention group, with results maintained at one-month follow-up. Loneliness levels also significantly decreased post-intervention; however, this benefit was not maintained at one-month follow-up. Social support slightly increased both post-intervention and 1-month follow-up—but these changes were not statistically significant. There were no overall changes for the wait-list control group. Our intervention provided promising evidence regarding the effectiveness of an online group intervention to alleviate mental health effects and to promote the coping of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This relatively simple model can be effectively utilized by communities globally to help connect lonely and isolated older inhabitants, both during the pandemic and in more routine times.

scholarly journals Short-term balance training and acute effects on postural sway in balance-deficient older adults: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niklas Sörlén ◽  
Andreas Hult ◽  
Peter Nordström ◽  
Anna Nordström ◽  
Jonas Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Balance Exercise

Abstract Background We aimed to determine the effectiveness of 4 weeks of balance exercise compared with no intervention on objectively measured postural sway. Methods This was a single-center parallel randomized controlled, open label, trial. A six-sided dice was used for allocation at a 1:1-ratio between exercise and control. The trial was performed at a university hospital clinic in Sweden and recruited community-dwelling older adults with documented postural instability. The intervention consisted of progressively challenging balance exercise three times per week, during 4 weeks, with follow-up at week five. Main outcome measures were objective postural sway length during eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Results Sixty-five participants aged 70 years (balance exercise n = 32; no intervention n = 33) were randomized. 14 participants were excluded from analysis because of early dropout before follow-up at week five, leaving 51 (n = 22; n = 29) participants for analysis. No significant differences were detected between the groups in any of the postural sway outcomes. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in hand grip strength for the intervention group, while Timed Up & Go improvements were comparable between groups but only statistically significant in the control group. Conclusions Performing balance exercise over a four-week intervention period did not acutely improve postural sway in balance-deficient older adults. The lower limit in duration and frequency to achieve positive effects remains unclear. Trial registration Clinical trials NCT03227666, July 24, 2017, retrospectively registered.

Effectiveness of individual and group multicomponent interventions for smoking cessation in primary care: a quasi-experimental study

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 627-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Fernando Suárez-Varela Úbeda ◽  
Sara Rodríguez-Vázquez ◽  
José Antonio Ordóñez Barranco ◽  
Gilberto Vega Caldera ◽  
Pedro Pablo Pérez Alvárez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Drug Prescription ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Primary Care Practices ◽  
Multicomponent Interventions

Abstract Background The efficacy of smoking cessation interventions can be quite diverse in day-to-day clinical practice. Objective To analyse the effectiveness in smoking cessation of multicomponent interventions carried out in groups or individually in primary care practices. Methods A quasi-experimental, multicentre study of 12-month follow-up of patients treated in multicomponent smoking cessation interventions was carried out in Urban health care centres in Sevilla, Spain. Two hundred and twenty smoking patients, ≥18 years of age, participated either in a multicomponent intervention group (n = 145; mean age 51.7 years; 53.1% women) or in individual interventions (n = 77; mean age 50.5 years; 61.0% women). The abstinence or relapse status was computed from patient self-reports, confirmed by relatives or companions when possible and supplemented by CO-oxymetry tests in 89 patients. Results The overall percentage of smoking cessation was 36.9% (37.9% with group and 35.1% with individual intervention, P = 0.398). Patients who quit smoking were younger (48.7 versus 52.9 years old, P < 0.01), with fewer years of smoking (32.9 versus 36.8 years, P < 0.05), with higher education (39.0% versus 25.0%, P < 0.05) and had received pharmacological treatment (91.5% versus 67.9%, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, level of education [odds ratio (OR): 1.995; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.065–3.735, P < 0.01], group intervention (OR: 1.743; 95% CI: 1.006–3.287, P < 0.05) and drug prescription (OR: 2.368; 95% CI: 1.126–4.980, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with smoking cessation. Conclusions Our study found that multicomponent group and individual interventions in primary care were associated with an overall quit rate of smoking of 36.9% at 12-month follow-up, with higher probability of success among patients with higher education and those who received the group intervention and drug treatment.

Effects of a simple reminiscence intervention program on the reminiscence functions in older adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Encarnación Satorres ◽  
Iraida Delhom ◽  
Juan C. Meléndez
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
The Self ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Identity Problem ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Positive Functions

ABSTRACT Objectives: Reminiscence promotes the acceptance of oneself and others, a sense of meaning, and the integration of the present and the past. The currently accepted classification contains eight reminiscence functions grouped in three broader functions: self-positive functions (identity, problem-solving, and death preparation); self-negative functions (bitterness revival, boredom reduction, and intimacy maintenance); and prosocial functions (conversation and teach-inform). The main objective of this study was to investigate how the eight dimensions change over time in a sample of healthy older adults after an intervention based on simple reminiscence and subsequent follow-up. Design: Participants were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group. Setting: Participants were evaluated individually before, immediately after, and 3 months after the intervention. Participants: Participants included 139 healthy older adults (71 intervention group and 68 control group). Intervention: Ten weekly sessions lasting 2 hours each were administered, based on a simple reminiscence program. Measurements: Participants were assessed with the Reminiscence Functions Scale. Results: After the intervention, in the treatment group, there was a significant increase in the self-positive functions of problem-solving and death preparation, and these effects were maintained even at the follow-up; there was a significant reduction in the self-negative functions of bitterness revival and intimacy maintenance; and there was a significant increase in the prosocial function of conversation. Conclusions: When applying an intervention based on reminiscence, it is important to evaluate how it influences these functions because this information can help us to modify the objectives of the intervention and increase its effectiveness.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Paradox Therapy on COVID-19 Anxiety in Adult Population in Jahrom, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Razieh Eatesamipour ◽  
Khadigeh Ramazanzade Moghadam ◽  
Borzo Amirpor
Keyword(s):  
Adult Population ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Interviews ◽  
Research Population ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
And Control

Background: Since COVID-19 is a new disease with devastating effects worldwide, its emergence and spread aroused confusion, anxiety, and fear among the public. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of paradox therapy on the COVID-19 anxiety in adult population in Jahrom, Iran. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design and a two-month follow-up. The research population encompassed all individuals willing to participate in the present study who were residing in Jahrom during 2020-2021. According to the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, 30 participants with high levels of COVID-19 anxiety were selected using the convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The experimental group received eight sessions of paradox therapy; however, the control group remained on the waiting list. The research tools included structured clinical interviews and the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using Friedman’s statistical method. Results: The results showed that paradox therapy was effective in decreasing COVID-19 anxiety (P = 0.001) and its psychological (P = 0.001) and physical (P = 0.002) symptoms, and the scores of the COVID-19-induced psychological and physical symptoms in the posttest phase were significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.001). The decrease was noticed in the follow-up phase as well. Conclusions: According to the results, paradox therapy can effectively reduce anxiety and its psychological and physical symptoms due to COVID-19.

scholarly journals Effects of water aerobics on posture alignment and risk of falls of older adults: an intervention study

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Costa Ibiapina Reis ◽  
Marcos Antônio Pereira dos Santos ◽  
Camila Feitosa da Costa ◽  
Edna Maria Silva Araújo ◽  
Luiz Roberto Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Body Segments ◽  
Experimental Intervention ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Falls In Older Adults

ABSTRACT Considering that aging leads to losses in postural control and balance, our objective was to analyze the effects of water aerobics on posture alignment and risk of falls in older adults. A quasi-experimental intervention study included 49 older adults in the Intervention Group (IG) and 34 in the Control Group (CG). A plumbed symmetrograph assessed posture alignment, while a Time Up & Go test determined the fall risk. The IG performed water aerobics twice a week for three months. Posture alignment significantly improved in most body segments assessed for the IG, and worsened in the CG. The low risk of falls in the IG increased by 28% in relation to the CG. We concluded that water aerobics improved posture alignment and reduced fall risk in older adults.

scholarly journals Garlic: an alternative in reducing blood glucose on diabetic patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 2078
Author(s):  
Putri Dafriani ◽  
Roza Marlinda ◽  
Eliza Arman ◽  
Meldafia Idaman
Keyword(s):  
Blood Sugar ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Blood Sugar Level ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Antidiabetic Drugs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Sugar Levels

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder characterized by an increasing of blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Medication is one of the seven pillars of diabetes managementt. Garlic (Allium sativum), an alternative herb, also has an antidiabetic effect. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of garlic on the blood sugar level in type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental design with two group post-test design. The participants were DM patients who only take medication without any supplemental herbs. The respondents were divided into two group; intervention group, given antidiabetic drugs and consume garlic 3 pieces of garlic/day for 2 weeks and control group only got antidiabetic drugs. Data were collected by performing blood sugar measurement using glucose-check on all respondents using capillary blood in the fingertips. Second measurement were taken after monitoring the consumption of garlic together with drugs for two weeks. Hypothesis testing used independent T-Test test.Results: The study result found that the average of blood sugar level after administering the treatment is 240 mg/dl in the intervention group, and 284 mg/dl in control group. It can be concluded that the administration of 3 pieces of garlic combining with antidiabetic drugs for 2 weeks has not been able to reduce blood sugar levels into normal limits.Conclusions: This combination found to lowering the blood sugar levels in a significant amount compare to only drugs. The length of the therapy could consider as a significant predictor.

scholarly journals A Tailored Habits-based Dietary Intervention Combined With Oral Rehabilitation on Partially Dentate Older Adults: Nutritional Impact

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leigh-Ann McCrum ◽  
Gerry Mckenna ◽  
Jayne Woodside ◽  
Laura McGowan ◽  
Sinead Watson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Habit Formation ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oral Rehabilitation ◽  
Partially Dentate

AbstractIntroductionReplacing missing teeth alone is not enough to engender dietary behaviour change amongst older adults. Whilst there is a body of evidence to support oral rehabilitation in conjunction with dietary advice, this is currently limited to edentate patients even though the majority of older adults are now partially dentate. One approach proven to change long-term food behaviours but is novel in this population is habit-formation. Consequently, this study developed and tested a habit-based tailored dietary intervention, in conjunction with oral rehabilitation amongst partially dentate older adults.Materials and methodsA pilot randomised control trial was conducted on 57 partially dentate older patients. Participants were randomised to an intervention group (habits-based dietary intervention) or a control group and followed up for 8 months. The intervention group attended four meetings with a trained researcher to target habit-formation around 3 dietary domains (fruit/vegetables, wholegrains, healthy proteins). The primary outcome measure was self-reported automaticity for developing healthy habits and habit formation was assessed using the Self-Report Behavioural Automaticity Index (SRBAI). Preliminary analysis was conducted on n = 36 participants between baseline and 8 month follow up.ResultsPreliminary results showed that SRBAI scores and self-reported frequency of days doing habits in the intervention group for all tailored dietary habits was significant between baseline and follow up visits (p < 0.001). There were moderate positive correlations between automaticity and habit adherence (Fruit/vegetables rho = 0.43, p = 0.09: Wholegrains rho = 0.44, p = 0.08: Healthy Proteins rho = 0.52, p = 0.03) for the intervention group. Automaticity trends were increased in the intervention group for all 3 dietary habits compared to the control group but, other than wholegrain (p = 0.005), between group differences were non-significant (p > 0.05). BMI decreased in the intervention group (29.6 to 28.7 kg/m2) compared to a non-significant increase in the control group (27.7 to 27.8 kg/m2) (p = 0.08). There were slight increases in Mini Nutritional Assessment mean change scores (0.19 intervention: 0.32 control) for both groups, however between-group differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.9). Greater improvements in food intake around dietary habits were observed in the intervention group (Fruit/vegetables:108 g Fibre 4g: Protein 11g) compared to the control group (Fruit/vegetables -17g: Fibre 2g: Protein -4g).DiscussionPreliminary results demonstrate the success of a habit-based dietary intervention coupled with oral rehabilitation in positively influencing dietary behaviours and other nutritional outcomes in partially dentate older adults.

scholarly journals COMPASSION-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERISM AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A CASE STUDY OF TZU CHI RECYLING PROGRAM

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S734-S734
Author(s):  
Hsinyi Hsiao ◽  
Chiu-Tien Hsu ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
Jinli Wu ◽  
Pao-Sheng Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Social Good ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Environmental Volunteering

Abstract To promote environmental sustainability and mitigate climate change that causes numerous families to suffer from natural disasters, a group of older residents’ volunteer to recycle usable materials by setting up recycling stations in their communities and transform recycled bottles into eco-friendly blankets for disaster survivors globally. This study examined long-term effects of the peer-led Tzu Chi Recycling Program (TCRP) on older adults’ compassion, psychological and physiological well-being. Using a quasi-experimental design, 1-year longitudinal data were collected from older adults at recycling stations (intervention group n = 36) and community centers (control group n = 36) in rural areas in Southern Taiwan. Findings from two-way repeated analysis of variance show that TCRP significantly improved older adults’ self-compassion, compassion for others, depression, hostility, happiness, and hypertension. Older adults built resilience through environmental volunteering in the TCRP as an environmental sustainability model for health promotion and social good

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