Health Benefits of Cobblestone-Mat Walking: Preliminary Findings

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuzhong Li ◽  
Peter Harmer ◽  
Nicole L. Wilson ◽  
K. John Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group Reduction ◽  
Walking Activity ◽  
Resting Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Related

This study examined the effect of cobblestone-mat walking on health-related outcomes in older adults. Participants (mean age 72.6,N=40) were randomized into either an 8-week cobblestone-mat walking activity (n= 22) or a control group (n= 18). Cobblestone-mat walking entailed three 45-min sessions per week. Primary outcomes included SF-12 (mental, physical), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), psychophysical well-being, daytime sleepiness, and pain. Secondary outcomes included resting blood pressure and perceived control of falls. The walkers experienced significantly improved SF-12 scores, IADLs, and psychophysical well-being and significantly reduced daytime sleepiness and pain. They also reported significantly improved perceptions of control over falls. A significant between-groups difference in resting diastolic blood pressure was observed, with reductions in the walkers. A significant within-group reduction in systolic blood pressure was observed in the walkers only. The data indicate that cobblestone-mat walking can significantly improve health-related outcomes in older adults.

The Effects of a Caffeine Placebo and Experimenter Expectation on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Well-Being, and Cognitive Performance

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Walach ◽  
Stefan Schmidt ◽  
Yvonne-Michelle Bihr ◽  
Susanne Wiesch
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Being There ◽  
To Receive

We studied the effect of experimenter expectations and different instructions in a balanced placebo design. 157 subjects were randomized into a 2 × 4 factorial design. Two experimenters were led to expect placebos either to produce physiological effects or not (pro- vs. antiplacebo). All subjects except a control group received a caffeine placebo. They were either made to expect coffee, no coffee, or were in a double-blind condition. Dependent measures were blood pressure, heart rate, well-being, and a cognitive task. There was one main effect on the instruction factor (p = 0.03) with the group “told no caffeine” reporting significantly better well-being. There was one main effect on the experimenter factor with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” having higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008). There was one interaction with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” to receive coffee doing worse in the cognitive task than the rest. Subjects instructed by experimenter “antiplacebo” were significantly less likely to believe the experimental instruction, and that mostly if they had been instructed to receive coffee. Contrary to the literature we could not show an effect of instruction, but there was an effect of experimenters. It is likely, however, that these experimenter effects were not due to experimental manipulations, but to the difference in personalities.

scholarly journals 400 - Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training with an Elderly Community Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
M Pires ◽  
A Antunes ◽  
C Gameiro ◽  
C Pombo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Before And After

Community-focused programs that promote active and healthy aging can help preserve cognitive capacities, prevent or reverse cognitive deficits. Computer-based cognitive training (CCT) is a promising non-pharmacological, cost -effective and accessible intervention to face the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies proved CCT to have equal or better efficacy compared to traditional interventions. This comparative multifactorial study aims to test the efficacy of a CCT in a non-randomized community sample of 74 older adults: G1-CCT Experimental group (n=43) (Mean age M=72.21, SD=12.65) and G2- Paper-Pencil Control group (n=31; M=77.94, SD=10.51). Pensioners (97.3%), mostly women (83.8 %) with basic education (51.4%) and without dementia diagnosis, completed a cognitive training program of 17 or 34 group sessions (twice a week). G2 undertook a classic cognitive paper-pencil stimuli tasks. G1, performed, additionally, individual CCT with COGWEB® in a multimodal format (intensive training of attention, calculation, memory, gnosis, praxis, executive functions). Both groups completed Portuguese versions of Mini -Mental State Examination (MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA); Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS); Mini Dependence Assessment (MDA); WHOOQL 5 and Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS) before and after participating in the program. Both groups reported better post-test scores on basic cognitive functions (MMSE, MOCA), Depression symptoms (GDS-30), subjective well-being and quality of life (WHOOQL-5). G1 presented higher MOCA and lower GDS scores before and after CCT, although, group differences become less expressive when interaction effects are considered. Results are in line with findings from past studies, CCT supported by the new technologies, is as a relevant cost-effective therapeutic tool for health professionals working with older adults. Particularly for preventive purposes of neuro-cognitive disorders.

scholarly journals The Health and Well-Being of African-American Older Adults With a History of Incarceration

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 506-506
Author(s):  
Rodlescia Sneed
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
African American ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Formerly Incarcerated ◽  
Older Prisoners ◽  
Health Related ◽  
History Of ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
African American Older Adults

Abstract African-Americans are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Longer prison stays and release programs for older prisoners may result in an increased number of community-dwelling older adults with a history of incarceration. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in research on health-related outcomes for currently incarcerated older adults; however, there has been little inquiry into outcomes for formerly incarcerated African-American older adults following community re-entry. In this study, we used secondary data from the Health and Retirement Study to describe employment, economic, and health-related outcomes in this population. Twelve percent of the 2238 African-Americans in our sample had been previously incarcerated. Those who had been previously incarcerated had higher rates of lung disease, arthritis, back problems, mobility problems, and mental health issues than their counterparts. They also had higher rates of hospitalization and lower use of dental health services. Further, while they did not experience lower employment rates than those with no criminal history, those who had been incarcerated had more physically demanding jobs and reported greater economic strain. Given the disproportionate incarceration rates among African-Americans, the aging of the prison population, and the increase in community re-entry for older prisoners, research that explores factors that impact the health and well-being of formerly incarcerated individuals has broad impact. Future work should focus on addressing the needs of this vulnerable population of African-American older adults.

scholarly journals A Tale of Two Emotions: The Diverging Salience and Health Consequences of Calmness and Excitement in Old Age

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 626-627
Author(s):  
Jeremy Hamm ◽  
Carsten Wrosch ◽  
Meaghan Barlow ◽  
Ute Kunzmann
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Perceived Control ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Younger Adults

Abstract Using two studies, we examined the late life prevalence and health consequences of discrete positive emotions posited to motivate rest and recovery (calmness) or pursuit of novelty and stimulation (excitement). Study 1 assessed the salience of these discrete emotions in older adults (n=73, Mage=73) relative to younger adults (n=73, Mage=23) over a one-week period. Multilevel models showed that older (vs. younger) adults reported higher calmness and lower excitement. Study 2 examined the longitudinal health consequences of calmness and excitement in old age (n=336, Mage=75), as moderated by perceived control. Multilevel growth models showed that calmness, but not excitement, buffered against 10-year declines in psychological well-being (perceived stress, depressive symptoms) and physical health (physical symptoms, chronic conditions) for older adults with low perceived control. Results suggest that positive emotions with disparate motivational functions become more (calmness) or less (excitement) salient and have diverging implications for health in old age.

Yoga as a Preventive Health Care Program for White and Black Elders: An Exploratory Study

1983 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Haber
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Blood Pressure Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Black Elders

A ten-week yoga program was implemented with sixty-one white and forty-five low-income black elders at two community sites, along with a pretest-posttest control group research design with random assignment at each site. White elders attended class regularly, practiced yoga on their own on a daily basis, improved psychological well-being, and lowered their systolic blood pressure level, in comparison to a control group. Black elders, on the other hand, attended the once-a-week class regularly but did not practice on their own on a daily basis. Thus, they did not improve psychological well-being nor reduce blood pressure level in comparison to a control group. Social analysts suggest that low-income minority elders need more frequent contact with structured leadership in order to adhere to a daily routine that may lead to psychological and physical change. Other directions for controlled follow-up studies are suggested.

scholarly journals Effects of recreational sports and combined training on blood pressure and glycosylated hemoglobin in middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius Mallmann Schneider ◽  
Paula de Azevedo Frank ◽  
Sandra C. Fuchs ◽  
Rodrigo Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Weighted Mean Difference ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Glycosylated Hemoglobin ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Recreational Sports ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Exercise Interventions

Background Combined resistance and aerobic training (CT) is the most suitable form of exercise training to simultaneously improve cardiometabolic profile and functional capacity in middle-aged and older adults. Recreational sports (RS) emerge as an alternative to traditional exercises to improve these outcomes that could be used as a retention and continuity strategy, promoting health benefits associated with pleasure and satisfaction during the physical activity. Objectives The aim was to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of RS and CT on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in middle-aged and older adults and to compare these exercise interventions to a non-exercising control group (CON). Data Sources A literature search was conducted using the databases at PubMed, COCHRANE and SciELO between July and August 2020. Study Eligibility Criteria Studies that included men and women aged 45 years, healthy or with values of baseline for SBP 130mmHg or DBP 80 mmHg or with type II diabetes, in which the participants performed RS or CT versus CON, and evaluated SBP, DBP and HbA1c. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods Two independent reviewers screened search results, performed data extraction, and assessed of methodological quality of studies. Random effects modeling was used to compare pre to postintervention changes in BP and HbA1c from RS and CT versus CON, and the effect size were calculated through the weighted mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Conclusions RS and CT are effective exercise interventions to improve blood pressure in middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, CT seems to be an excellent strategy to reduce HbA1c, and future studies are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of recreational sports to improve HbA1c.

Comparison of hypertensive outcomes after the implementation of self-management program for older adults with uncontrolled hypertension in Krabi, Thailand: a quasi-experimental study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saowaluck Sukpattanasrikul ◽  
Supreeda Monkong ◽  
Sirirat Leelacharas ◽  
Orapitchaya Krairit ◽  
Chukiat Viwatwongkasem
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Uncontrolled Hypertension ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Behavior

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effects of a self-management program (SMP) on self-care behavior, blood pressure and quality of life among older adults with uncontrolled hypertension.Design/methodology/approachA quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was conducted in two primary care units in Krabi, Thailand. One hundred and fifty-six older adults with uncontrolled hypertension were selected based on the inclusion criteria and divided into experimental and control groups with 78 participants in each. The experimental group received the SMP, including the intervention related to the self-management process (from the 1st to 4th weeks) and a follow-up phase (from the 5th to 16th weeks). The control group received standard care. The outcomes were measured over time, including self-care behavior (baseline, 4th and 16th weeks), blood pressure (baseline, 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th weeks) and quality of life (baseline and 16th week).FindingsThe generalized estimating equations showed that the SMP, compared with the control group, statistically significantly improved self-care behavior (p < 0.001), decreased blood pressure (p < 0.001) and improved quality of life (p < 0.001) at the 16th week.Originality/valueThe SMP improved the self-care behavior, decreased blood pressure and improved the quality of life among older adults with uncontrolled hypertension. Registered nurses could administer this program for long-term benefits and help reduce the burden on primary care services.

scholarly journals MediYoga as a part of a self-management programme among patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation – a randomised study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Wahlström ◽  
Mårten Rosenqvist ◽  
Jörgen Medin ◽  
Ulla Walfridsson ◽  
Monica Rydell-Karlsson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is associated with impaired health-related quality of life. Yoga has been suggested to improve health-related quality of life among patients with heart failure and hypertension. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of MediYoga, in respect of health-related quality of life, blood pressure, heart rate, as well as N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, among patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, compared with standard therapy or relaxation. Methods: Patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, n=132, were stratified for gender and randomised to MediYoga, a relaxation group or a control group, 44 patients per group with a 12-week follow-up. Health-related quality of life, blood pressure, heart rate and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide were assessed. Results: After 12 weeks, there were no differences in health-related quality of life between the groups. There were improvements in Short-Form Health Survey bodily pain, general health, social function, mental health and mental component summary scores within the MediYoga group ( p=0.014, p=0.037, p=0.029, p=0.030, p=0.019, respectively). No change was seen in the relaxation and control groups. Systolic blood pressure decreased in the MediYoga group (134±18 to 127±13) compared with the control group (126±17 to 127±15, p=0.041); no difference compared with the relaxation group (131±17 to 125±12). Diastolic blood pressure decreased in the MediYoga group (79±9 to 74 ±9) compared with the control group (76±9 to 79±8, p=0.005); no difference compared with the relaxation group (76±9 to 77±8). There were no differences in heart rate and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide between the groups after 12 weeks. Conclusions: MediYoga improves health-related quality of life and decreases blood pressure in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. MediYoga may be used as a part of a self-management programme among patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Potential Applications of Smart Multifunctional Wearable Materials to Gerontology

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Armstrong ◽  
Bijan Najafi ◽  
Mohsen Shahinpoor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Smart Materials ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Fall Detection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Personalized Care ◽  
Wearable Technologies ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Health Related

Smart multifunctional materials can play a constructive role in addressing some very important aging-related issues. Aging affects the ability of older adults to continue to live safely and economically in their own residences for as long as possible. Thus, there will be a greater need for preventive, acute, rehabilitative, and long-term health care services for older adults as well as a need for tools to enable them to function independently during daily activities. The objective of this paper is, thus, to present a comprehensive review of some potential smart materials and their areas of applications to gerontology. Thus, brief descriptions of various currently available multifunctional smart materials and their possible applications to aging-related problems are presented. It is concluded that some of the most important applications to geriatrics may be in various sensing scenarios to collect health-related feedback or information and provide personalized care. Further described are the applications of wearable technologies to aging-related needs, including devices for home rehabilitation, remote monitoring, social well-being, frailty monitoring, monitoring of diabetes and wound healing and fall detection or prediction. It is also concluded that wearable technologies, when combined with an appropriate application and with appropriate feedback, may help improve activities and functions of older patients with chronic diseases. Finally, it is noted that methods developed to measure what one collectively manages in this population may provide a foundation to establish new definitions of quality of life.

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