scholarly journals POS1285 FOOT DISORDERS AND FALLS RISK IN OLDER PERSONS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 925.1-925
Author(s):  
N. Fani ◽  
E. Toulgui ◽  
D. Khalifa ◽  
S. Mtaoua ◽  
W. Ouanes ◽  
...  

Background:Falls are major problems in older people, leading to serious morbidity and mortality. Many studies have identified intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk factors in order to develop preventive strategies and guidelines. There are few reports which studied the impacts of aging feet on falls [1].Objectives:The present study aimed to explore foot musculoskeletal disorders and their relationship to falls in a healthy aging population.Methods:This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving the patients aged 65 years and over who were independent in self-care and walking followed at the physical medicine and rehabilitation department of the university hospital of sousse over 3 months. The analysed data focused on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics.Trained physicians evaluated health status, foot problems, and fall(s) history of all subjects. Walking performance was assessed using the ‘Timed Get Up & Go’ test and the unipedal stance test was used for the assessment of balance. Footprints were taken from the standing position. Associated factors of foot disorders and falls were analyzed.Results:There were 45 subjects: 18 men, 27 women with a mean age of 69.6 [65-86] years. Foot deformities presented in 87% and were a significantly associated with walking performance or falls (p=0.01, p=0.02). The most common foot musculoskeletal disorder were Halux valgus 31%, followed by Mallet toe 15%. Arch of foot classified by physical examination revealed that pes planus was presented in 35% of cases. There was a significant correlation between BMI and an arch index (p=0.04). Foot problems remained significantly associated with impaired timed up and go test and the unipedal stance test. The causes of pain were plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, callus, metatarsalgia, and inappropriate footwear. Falls were reported in 33.3 of patients. Falls were significantly associated with Hallux valgus, mallet toe and pain (p<0.05).Conclusion:Independent of the influence of age, gender, common conditions; foot problems have a significant impact on the ability to perform functional tasks integral to independent living.References:[1]Menz HB, Lord SR: Foot problems, functional impairment, and falls in older people. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 1999;89:458– 467. 3 AmericDisclosure of Interests:None declared

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee won Chueh ◽  
Hye Lim Jung ◽  
Ye Jee Shim ◽  
Hyoung Soo Choi ◽  
Jin Yeong Han

Abstract BACKGROUND: Anemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality in older people. However, anemia in older individuals is not fully understood, and national data on the prevalence and characteristics of anemia in Korean older people are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of anemia in older adults using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) , which is the nation-wide cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted by Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare.Methods: Data from the total of 62,825 participants of the 2007-2016 KNHANES were merged and analyzed to investigate differences in participant characteristics and potential risk factors for anemia.RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia was higher in the population aged ≥65 years (older adults) than in the younger population. Anemia was also more prevalent among females than among males, but the difference was not statistically significant in people aged >85 years. Being underweight, receiving a social allowance, living alone, and having comorbidities such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, cancer, and chronic renal failure (CRF) were more prevalent in older adults with anemia than in the group without anemia. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, older age, female sex, underweight, and comorbidities including arthritis, DM, CVD, stroke, cancer, and CRF were associated with an increased risk of anemia. Furthermore, the prevalence data were significantly higher in this study than in previous studies.CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that age, female sex, underweight, and the presence of comorbidities such as arthritis, DM, CVD, stroke, cancer, and CRF were associated with an increased risk of anemia in Korean older adults. Our findings may be useful in developing interventions and programs aimed at healthy aging. Further study on causal relationships between anemia and other variables in the older population is necessary.Trial registration: KNHANES was approved by the KCDC Research Ethics Review Committee annually since 2007(2007-02CON-04-P, 2008-05EXP-01-C, 2009-01CON-03-2C, 2010-02CON-21-C, 2011-02CON-06-C, 2012-01EXP-01-2C, 2013-07CON-03-4C, 2013-12EXP-03-5C, 2015-01-02-6C). Ethical approval of this study was obtained through the Institutional Review Board of Dong-A University Hospital (DAUHIRB-EXP-20-035).


Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Chiann Ni Thiam ◽  
Kejal Hasmukharay ◽  
Wan Chieh Lim ◽  
Chai Chen Ng ◽  
Gordon Hwa Mang Pang ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Older people with COVID-19 infection report worse clinical outcomes. There is a paucity of local data and this study aimed to describe the clinical progression of older people admitted to a university hospital in Malaysia with COVID-19 infection. (2) Methods: Older people (≥60 years) admitted with COVID-19 infection confirmed with RT-PCR from 27 February 2020–25 May 2020 were included in this study. Data on patient characteristics, hospital treatment, and inpatient outcomes were collected via hospital-held electronic medical records. Analysis was done to describe the cohort and identify factors associated with inpatient mortality. (3) Results: 26 participants were included (mean age 76.2 years, female 57.7%). All had at least one comorbid condition and half were frail. About 19.2% had non-respiratory (atypical) symptoms; 23.1% had a severe disease that required intensive care unit monitoring; 46.2% were given COVID-19 targeted therapy. Inpatient mortality and overall complication rates were 23.1% and 42.3%, respectively. Delirium on presentation and lower Ct-value were associated with mortality. (4) Conclusions: Older people with COVID-19 infection have severe infection and poor hospital outcomes. Vigilant hospital care is necessary to address their multimorbidity and frailty, along with appropriate treatment for their infection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Jogmaya Limbu ◽  
Sunita Poudyal

Background: Falls in older people is a common serious health problem that has profound im­pact on overall health and quality of life of older people. The aim of this study was to assess the fall risk among older adults. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among older adults residing in Bharatpur, Chitwan. A total of 98 older adults were selected by using simple random sampling technique. The data were collected by using structured interview schedule and fall risk was as­sessed by Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Data were collected from 23rd June, 2019 to 7th July, 2019. Obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study findings revealed that more than half (60.2%) of the older adults were from the age group of ≤79 years, male (63.3%) and almost half (50%) were illiterate. Nearly all (96.9%) older adults were living with their family however, 50% were undernourished (BMI- <22.9). Ma­jorities (66.3%) were suffering from chronic diseases and had been taking medicine. Majority of older adults reported vision problem (64.3%) and hearing problem (60.2%). However, only 8.2% reported history of fall within last 6-12 months. More than half (59.2%) of the older adults had high risk of fall and found significant association with age (p=0.039) and vision problem (p=0.043). Conclusions: More than half of the older adults are in risk of falls. Therefore, more emphasis should be given in screening the older people for fall risk factors as preventive measures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaqueline Lima dos Santos ◽  
Cátia Trennepohl ◽  
Carolina Böettge Rosa ◽  
Solange Beatriz Billig Garces ◽  
Jociane de Carvalho Myskiw ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Sarcopenia, often associated with sedentarism, increases the risk of falls in older people, which may contribute to poorer health. Objective: This study sought to verify the impact of sarcopenia, sedentary lifestyle and risk of falls in older people’s health self-perception. Method: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The sample included 317 older people from the municipality of Cruz Alta, who underwent an assessment with specific instruments to evaluate the presence of risk of falls (Downton and Timed Up and Go - TUG) and sarcopenia (Manual Hold Force - MHF and Circumference of the Calf - CP). They were also subjected to the International Physical Activity (IPAQ) and the Self-perception of Health questionnaires. Association between variables was performed using the Pearson chi-square test, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: In respect to TUG, 202 (63.7%) older people presented an average risk of falls, and only 27 (8.5%) presented a high risk of falls. However, Downton showed that a hundred older people (31.5%) were at risk of falling. Sarcopenia as evaluated via CP and MHF was observed in 4.7% (15) and 31.9% older people, respectively. Regarding IPAQ, 161 (50.8%) participants were classified as active, while 156 (49.2%) were classified as inactive. In regards to self-perceived health, 159 (50.2%) older people evaluated their health condition as average or poor. Conclusion: Results suggest that older people’s negative health self-perception is directly associated with predisposing factors for falls, such as sarcopenia and physical inactivity, as well as the presence of risk of falls (as evaluated by instruments that take into account risk factors and individual physical conditions).


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee won Chueh ◽  
Hye Lim Jung ◽  
Ye Jee Shim ◽  
Hyoung Soo Choi ◽  
Jin Yeong Han

Abstract BACKGROUND: Anemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality in older people. However, anemia in older individuals is not fully understood, and national data on the prevalence and characteristics of anemia in Korean older people are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of anemia in older adults using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) , which is the nation-wide cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted by Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. METHODS: Data from the total of 62,825 participants of the 2007-2016 KNHANES were merged and analyzed to investigate differences in participant characteristics and potential risk factors for anemia. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia was higher in the population aged ≥65 years (older adults) than in the younger population. Anemia was also more prevalent among females than among males, but the difference was not statistically significant in people aged >85 years. Being underweight, receiving a social allowance, living alone, and having comorbidities such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, cancer, and chronic renal failure (CRF) were more prevalent in older adults with anemia than in the group without anemia. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, older age, female sex, underweight, and comorbidities including arthritis, DM, CVD, stroke, cancer, and CRF were associated with an increased risk of anemia. Furthermore, the prevalence data were significantly higher in this study than in previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that age, female sex, underweight, and the presence of comorbidities such as arthritis, DM, CVD, stroke, cancer, and CRF were associated with an increased risk of anemia in Korean older adults. Our findings may be useful in developing interventions and programs aimed at healthy aging. Further study on causal relationships between anemia and other variables in the older population is necessary.


2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 483-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hylton B. Menz ◽  
Stephen R. Lord

Background: Hallux valgus is a common condition that may lead to considerable pain and disability. There is also evidence that hallux valgus may impair balance and increase the risk of falling in older people. Although a number of plantar pressure studies have been undertaken in people with and without hallux valgus, little is known about how hallux valgus affects basic gait patterns or the movement of the upper body when walking. Methods: Measurements of temporospatial parameters of gait and acceleration patterns of the head and pelvis were obtained in 71 people (24 men, 47 women) between 75 and 93 (mean 80 ± 4) years of age when walking on both a level surface and a specially designed irregular walkway. Foot problems, vision, peripheral sensation, strength, and reaction time also were evaluated. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, subjects with moderate to severe hallux valgus were found to exhibit significantly reduced velocity and step length on both walking surfaces and less rhythmic acceleration patterns in the vertical plane when walking on the irregular surface compared to subjects with no or mild hallux valgus. Conclusion: These findings indicate that hallux valgus has a significant detrimental impact on gait patterns that may contribute to instability and risk of falling in older people, particularly when walking on irregular terrain.


Author(s):  
Keiichi Kumai ◽  
Mika Kumai ◽  
Junko Takada ◽  
Jiro Oonuma ◽  
Kei Nakamura ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of this study is to clarify the association between repeated falls and the dominant/nondominant side in the open-eyed one-leg standing (OLS) test among people who are healthy or have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia in a community setting. We recruited 180 participants from 39 areas in the town of Wakuya. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a cross-sectional study. Participants were classified into 3 Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) groups, i.e., CDR 0 (healthy, <i>n</i> = 71), CDR 0.5 (MCI, <i>n</i> = 85), and CDR 1+ (<i>n</i> = 23), and they were investigated for motor function (grip strength, 6-m normal gait speed, timed up and go test, and OLS test) and falls during the past year. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Subjects with a CDR of 0.5 had higher rates of single and repeated falls (13.0 and 23.4%, respectively) than the CDR 0 group (12.1 and 4.5%, respectively), as did those in CDR 1+ group (15.0 and 30.0%). For the CDR 0.5 group, the frequency of falls was negatively (biologically meaningful direction) correlated with the left OLS time. No significant correlations with falls were found for other motor function tests. Another analysis separating the CDR 0.5 group into 2 subgroups (repeated falls vs. no or a single fall) also showed that the left OLS time was lower in subjects with repeated falls. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> People with MCI who had fallen repeatedly in the year before the assessment had a significantly lower left OLS time compared to those who had not fallen or had had 1 fall with MCI. None of the other physical measures were associated with past repeat falls including OLS on the dominant right side. No such findings were noted in the CDR 0 and CDR 0+ groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (S2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catarina Pereira ◽  
Jorge Bravo ◽  
Gorete Reis ◽  
Felismina Mendes

Abstract Background Falls and violence against older people might represent a joint public health problem, as both may result in injury, fear, social isolation, sedentary behavior and dependence or even death. The ESACA project “Aging safely in Alentejo - Understanding for action” was designed to promote the healthy aging of older people in Alentejo by preventing the occurrence of falls and violence. This study aimed to report the ESACA protocol and the preliminary outcomes. Methods The ESACA study has a twofold design as a cross-sectional study that included retrospective and prospective surveys. The participants were 508 community-dwelling older people. Assessments included falls, the risk of violence against older people, sociodemographic characteristics, health-related measurements, fear of falling, anthropometric measures and body composition, functional physical fitness, physical activity, and environmental hazards. Results Among the participants, 43% were fallers, 21% were recurrent fallers, and 22% were victims of one or more kinds of violence (psychological: 17.1%, physical: 5.6%, and patrimonial: 3.0%). Moreover, the cumulative results suggested high risk on several risk factors for falling (7 factors: 0.6% to 2 factors: 17.4%) and of  violence (26.7%). Conclusions In the ESACA project, a wide range of potential influencing factors on falls and violence risk factors were measured, and comprehensive quality control measures were applied. Overall, the results suggest that for falls and violence prevention strategies to be effective, it is essential to evaluate, diagnose, and inform all stakeholders in a directed and useful way. Moreover, we believe that our project outcomes may help change mindsets and behaviors by involving people in active aging and well-being programs that promote exercise and avoid isolation.


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