scholarly journals The Association between Different Levels of Alcohol Use and Gait under Single and Dual Task in Community-Dwelling Older Persons Aged 65 to 70 Years

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Seematter-Bagnoud ◽  
Christophe Büla ◽  
Brigitte Santos-Eggimann

Objectives. This study aimed to describe the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between alcohol intake and gait parameters in older persons.Methods. Community-dwelling persons aged 65–70 years (N=807). Information on health, functional status, and alcohol use was self-reported at baseline and at 3-year follow-up, whereas gait speed and stride-to-stride variability were measured while walking only (single task) and under dual tasking (counting backwards).Results. Compared to light-to-moderate drinking, heavy drinking was associated with slower gait speed in single task (adj. coeff.: −.040, 95% CI: −.0.78 to −.002,p=.035). No significant association was observed between heavy drinking and gait speed variability. Nondrinkers walked significantly slower than light-to-moderate drinkers in dual task and had significantly higher gait speed variability in both single and dual task, but these associations disappeared after adjustment for comorbidity. At follow-up, 35.2% and 34.1% of the participants walked significantly slower in single and dual task, respectively. This proportion varied a little across drinking categories.Conclusion. At baseline, heavy alcohol consumption was significantly associated with slower gait speed in single task. Selective survival of the fittest heavy drinkers probably explains why this association faded in longitudinal analyses. The trend of poorer gait performance in nondrinkers disappeared after adjustment for comorbidity, suggesting confounding by a worse health status.

2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
L. SEEMATTER-BAGNOUD ◽  
J. SPAGNOLI ◽  
C. BULA ◽  
B. SANTOS-EGGIMANN

Background:Alcohol use has beneficial as well as adverse consequences on health, but few studiesexamined its role in the development of age-related frailty. Objectives:To describe the cross-sectional andlongitudinal association between alcohol intake and frailty in older persons. Design:The Lausanne cohort 65+population-based study, launched in 2004. Setting:Community. Participants:One thousand five hundred sixty-four persons aged 65-70 years. Measurements:Annual data collection included demographics, health andfunctional status, extended by a physical examination every 3 years. Alcohol use (AUDIT-C), and Fried’s frailtycriteria were measured at baseline and 3-year follow-up. Participants were categorized into robust (0 frailtycriterion) and vulnerable (1+ criteria). Results:Few participants (13.0%) reported no alcohol consumption overthe past year, 57.8% were light-to-moderate drinkers, while 29.3% drank above recommended thresholds (18.7%“at risk” and 10.5% “heavy” drinkers). At baseline, vulnerability was most frequent in non-drinkers (43.0%),least frequent in light-to-moderate drinkers (26.2%), and amounted to 31.9% in “heavy” drinkers showing areverse J-curve pattern. In multivariate analysis, compared to light-to-moderate drinkers, non-drinkers had twicehigher odds of prevalent (adjOR: 2.24; 95%CI:1.39-3.59; p=.001), as well as 3-year incident vulnerability(adjOR: 2.00; 95%CI:1.02-3.91; p=.043). No significant association was observed among “at risk” and “heavy”drinkers. Conclusion:Non-drinkers had two-times higher odds of prevalent and 3-year incident vulnerability,even after adjusting for their baseline poorer health status. Although residual confounding is still possible, theseresults likely reflect a healthy survival effect among drinkers while those who experienced health- or alcohol-related problems stopped drinking earlier.


2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (8) ◽  
pp. 989-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberley S van Schooten ◽  
Ellen Freiberger ◽  
Myriam Sillevis Smitt ◽  
Veronika Keppner ◽  
Cornel Sieber ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundHigher levels of concern about falling in older people have been associated with slower walking speed and an increased risk of falls. However, it is unclear whether this relationship is independent or confounded by other fall risk factors, such as physical and cognitive function.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of concern about falling on gait speed, adjusted for physiological fall risk and cognitive function.DesignThis was an observational, cross-sectional study.MethodsA total of 204 community-dwelling older people aged 70 years or older were recruited from 2 sites (Germany, n = 94; Australia, n = 110). Walking speed was measured over 6 m under 4 conditions: preferred speed, fast speed, speed while carrying a tray (functional dual task), and speed while answering a question (cognitive dual task). The Falls Efficacy Scale–International was used to assess concern about falling, the Physiological Profile Assessment was used to assess physiological fall risk, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Trail Making Test were used to assess attention and executive function.ResultsHigher levels of concern about falling were associated with slower gait speed. Following adjustment for age, history of falls, and female sex, and further adjustment for physical and cognitive function, the association between concern about falling and walking speed remained significant, with a considerable effect size (standardized β = 0.18 ± 0.08; P = .037).LimitationsThe use of walking speed as a sole measure of gait was a limitation of this study.ConclusionsGait speed, especially under dual-task conditions, was affected by concern about falling. Concern about falling was the strongest predictor of gait speed under all 4 conditions and should be included in routine geriatric assessments.


Author(s):  
Phoebe Ullrich ◽  
Christian Werner ◽  
Martin Bongartz ◽  
Tobias Eckert ◽  
Bastian Abel ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Community-dwelling older persons with cognitive impairment (CI) following discharge from geriatric rehabilitation are at high risk of losing life-space mobility (LSM). Interventions to improve their LSM are, however, still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a CI-specific, home-based physical training and activity promotion program on LSM. Methods Older persons with mild-to-moderate CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 17–26 points) discharged home from rehabilitation were included in this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a 12-week intervention period and 12-week follow-up period. The intervention group received a CI-specific, home-based strength, balance, and walking training supported by tailored motivational strategies. The control group received a placebo activity. LSM was evaluated by the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment, including a composite score for LSM and 3 subscores for maximal, equipment-assisted, and independent life space. Mixed-model repeated-measures analyses were used. Results One hundred eighteen participants (82.3 ± 6.0 years) with CI (Mini-Mental State Examination: 23.3 ± 2.4) were randomized. After the intervention, the home-based training program resulted in a significant benefit in the Life-Space Assessment in Persons with Cognitive Impairment composite scores (b = 8.15; 95% confidence interval: 2.89–13.41; p = .003) and independent life-space subscores (b = 0.39; 95% confidence interval: 0.00–0.78; p = .048) in the intervention group (n = 63) compared to control group (n = 55). Other subscores and follow-up results were not significantly different. Conclusions The home-based training program improved LSM and independent life space significantly in this vulnerable population. Effects were not sustained over the follow-up. The program may represent a model for improved transition from rehabilitation to the community to prevent high risk of LSM restriction.


Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Marjan Abbasi ◽  
Sheny Khera ◽  
Julia Dabravolskaj ◽  
Bernadette Chevalier ◽  
Kelly Parker

(1) Background: Integrated models of primary care deliver the comprehensive and preventative approach needed to identify and manage frailty in older people. Seniors’ Community Hub (SCH) was developed to deliver person-centered, evidence-informed, coordinated, and integrated care services to older community dwelling adults living with frailty. This paper aims to describe the SCH model, and to present patient-oriented results of the pilot. (2) Methods: SCH was piloted in an academic clinic with six family physicians. Eligible patients were community dwelling, 65 years of age and older, and considered to be at risk of frailty (eFI > 0.12). Health professionals within the clinic received training in geriatrics and interprofessional teamwork to form the SCH team working with family physicians, patients and caregivers. The SCH intervention consisted of a team-based multi-domain assessment with person-centered care planning and follow-up. Patient-oriented outcomes (EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS) and 4-metre gait speed were measured at initial visit and 12 months later. (3) Results: 88 patients were enrolled in the pilot from April 2016–December 2018. No statistically significant differences in EQ-5D-5L/VAS or the 4-metre gait speed were detected in 38 patients completing the 12-month assessment. (4) Conclusions: Future larger scale studies of longer duration are needed to demonstrate impacts of integrated models of primary care on patient-oriented outcomes for older adults living with frailty.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Theng Choon Ooi ◽  
Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh ◽  
Suzana Shahar ◽  
Nor Fadilah Rajab ◽  
Divya Vanoh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Falls incidence rate and comprehensive data on factors that predict occasional and repeated falls from large population-based studies are scarce. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of falls and identify predictors of occasional and recurrent falls. This was done in the social, medical, physical, nutritional, biochemical, cognitive dimensions among community-dwelling older Malaysians. Methods Data from 1,763 Malaysian community-dwelling older persons aged ≥ 60 years were obtained from the LRGS-TUA longitudinal study. Participants were categorized into three groups according to the presence of a single fall (occasional fallers), ≥two falls (recurrent fallers), or absence of falls (non-fallers) at an 18-month follow-up. Results Three hundred and nine (17.53 %) participants reported fall occurrences at an 18-month follow-up, of whom 85 (27.51 %) had two or more falls. The incidence rate for occasional and recurrent falls was 8.47 and 3.21 per 100 person-years, respectively. Following multifactorial adjustments, being female (OR: 1.57; 95 % CI: 1.04–2.36), being single (OR: 5.31; 95 % CI: 3.36–37.48), having history of fall (OR: 1.86; 95 % CI: 1.19–2.92) higher depression scale score (OR: 1.10; 95 % CI: 1.02–1.20), lower hemoglobin levels (OR: 0.90; 95 % CI: 0.81-1.00) and lower chair stand test score (OR: 0.93; 95 % CI: 0.87-1.00) remained independent predictors of occasional falls. While, having history of falls (OR: 2.74; 95 % CI: 1.45–5.19), being a stroke survivor (OR: 8.57; 95 % CI: 2.12–34.65), higher percentage of body fat (OR: 1.04; 95 % CI: 1.01–1.08) and lower chair stand test score (OR: 0.87; 95 % CI: 0.77–0.97) appeared as recurrent falls predictors. Conclusions Having history of falls and lower muscle strength were predictors for both occasional and recurrent falls among Malaysian community-dwelling older persons. Modifying these predictors may be beneficial in falls prevention and management strategies among older persons.


Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
He Zhou ◽  
Catherine Park ◽  
Mohammad Shahbazi ◽  
Michele K. York ◽  
Mark E. Kunik ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Cognitive frailty (CF), defined as the simultaneous presence of cognitive impairment and physical frailty, is a clinical symptom in early-stage dementia with promise in assessing the risk of dementia. The purpose of this study was to use wearables to determine the most sensitive digital gait biomarkers to identify CF. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Of 121 older adults (age = 78.9 ± 8.2 years, body mass index = 26.6 ± 5.5 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) who were evaluated with a comprehensive neurological exam and the Fried frailty criteria, 41 participants (34%) were identified with CF and 80 participants (66%) were identified without CF. Gait performance of participants was assessed under single task (walking without cognitive distraction) and dual task (walking while counting backward from a random number) using a validated wearable platform. Participants walked at habitual speed over a distance of 10 m. A validated algorithm was used to determine steady-state walking. Gait parameters of interest include steady-state gait speed, stride length, gait cycle time, double support, and gait unsteadiness. In addition, speed and stride length were normalized by height. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Our results suggest that compared to the group without CF, the CF group had deteriorated gait performances in both single-task and dual-task walking (Cohen’s effect size <i>d</i> = 0.42–0.97, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.050). The largest effect size was observed in normalized dual-task gait speed (<i>d</i> = 0.97, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The use of dual-task gait speed improved the area under the curve (AUC) to distinguish CF cases to 0.76 from 0.73 observed for the single-task gait speed. Adding both single-task and dual-task gait speeds did not noticeably change AUC. However, when additional gait parameters such as gait unsteadiness, stride length, and double support were included in the model, AUC was improved to 0.87. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This study suggests that gait performances measured by wearable sensors are potential digital biomarkers of CF among older adults. Dual-task gait and other detailed gait metrics provide value for identifying CF above gait speed alone. Future studies need to examine the potential benefits of gait performances for early diagnosis of CF and/or tracking its severity over time.


Author(s):  
Alessandra Marengoni ◽  
Roselyne Akugizibwe ◽  
Davide L. Vetrano ◽  
Albert Roso-Llorach ◽  
Graziano Onder ◽  
...  

AbstractThe aim was to analyze the association between specific patterns of multimorbidity and risk of disability in older persons. Data were gathered from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K); 2066 60 + year-old participants living in the community and free from disability at baseline were grouped according to their multimorbidity patterns and followed-up for six years. The association between multimorbidity patterns and disability in basic (ADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities of daily living was examined through multinomial models. Throughout the follow-up, 434 (21.0%) participants developed at least one ADL and 310 (15.0%) at least one IADL. Compared to the unspecific pattern, which included diseases not exceeding their expected prevalence in the total sample, belonging to the cardiovascular/anemia/dementia, the sensory impairment/cancer and the musculoskeletal/respiratory/gastrointestinal patterns was associated with a higher risk of developing both ADL and IADL, whereas subjects in the metabolic/sleep disorders pattern showed a higher risk of developing only IADL. Multimorbidity patterns are differentially associated with incident disability, which is important for the design of future prevention strategies aimed at delaying functional impairment in old age, and for a better healthcare resource planning.


Author(s):  
Ryo Komatsu ◽  
Koutatsu Nagai ◽  
Yoko Hasegawa ◽  
Kazuki Okuda ◽  
Yuto Okinaka ◽  
...  

This cross-sectional study aimed to demonstrate the association between physical frailty subdomains and oral frailty. This study involved community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥65 years). Physical frailty was assessed with the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. Oral frailty was defined as limitations in at least three of six domains. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between physical frailty risk and oral frailty. In addition, we examined the association between physical frailty subdomains (gait speed, grip strength, exhaustion, low physical activity, and weight loss) and oral frailty. A total of 380 participants were recruited for this study. Overall, 18% and 14% of the participants were at risk of physical frailty and had oral frailty, respectively. Physical frailty risk (odds ratio (OR) = 2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–4.75, p = 0.012) was associated with oral frailty in multivariate analysis. In secondary analysis, among physical frailty subdomains, gait speed (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73–0.97, p = 0.019) was associated with oral frailty. The present findings suggest that physical frailty is closely related to oral frailty. Among physical frailty subdomains, decreased gait speed in particular is an important indicator related to the development of oral frailty.


2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
T. LOPEZ-TEROS ◽  
L.M. GUTIERREZ-ROBLEDO ◽  
M.U. PEREZ-ZEPEDA

Physical performance tests are associated with different adverse outcomes in older people. Theobjective of this study was to test the association between handgrip strength and gait speed with incidentdisability in community-dwelling, well-functioning, Mexican older adults (age ≥70 years). Incident disability wasdefined as the onset of any difficulty in basic or instrumental activities of daily living. Of a total of 133participants, 52.6% (n=70) experienced incident disability during one year of follow-up. Significant associationsof handgrip strength (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.93-0.99) and gait speed (OR0.27, 95%CI 0.07-0.99) with incident disability were reported. The inclusion of covariates in the models reducedthe statistical significance of the associations without substantially modifying the magnitude of them. Handgripstrength and gait speed are independently associated with incident disability in Mexican older adults.


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