The Effectiveness of an Active Learning Program in Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle among Older Adults with Low Health Literacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Gerontology ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Kazuki Uemura ◽  
Minoru Yamada ◽  
Hiroshi Okamoto
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Low Health Literacy

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Older adults often have a greater need for health information and health care services because access to these helps them manage their health and the chronic conditions of aging. Therefore, low health literacy bears a special significance for the population of older adults. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an active learning program on health literacy, lifestyle behaviors, physical function, and mental health among community-dwelling older adults with low health literacy. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This single-blind, randomized controlled trial involved 60 participants aged ≥65 years with a low health literacy who were randomly assigned to an intervention (<i>n</i> = 30) or control (<i>n</i> = 30) group. Across 24 weeks, the intervention group attended weekly 90-min active learning program sessions, which involved exploratory learning, group work, and the self-planning of behavior changes that promote a healthy lifestyle. The control group attended a 90-min class, which was taught in accordance with the didactic teaching method. For both groups, the programs focused on the role of exercise, diet/nutrition, and cognitive activity for promoting health among older adults. The outcome measures were administered at baseline and week 24. Comprehensive health literacy (i.e., primary outcome) was assessed using the Health Literacy Scale-14. Lifestyle factors (i.e., physical activity, dietary variety, life-space mobility, and social network size), physical function, and depressive symptoms were measured. We used a linear mixed model to estimate the intervention effects in accordance with the intention-to-treat approach. <b><i>Results:</i></b> When compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in communicative health literacy, step count, engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, dietary variety, life-space mobility, social network size, grip strength, gait speed, and depressive symptoms. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The active learning program can promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent functional decline among older adults who lack the confidence to engage in health communication.

scholarly journals Toe Clearance Rehabilitative Slippers for Older Adults With Fall Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215145932110291
Author(s):  
Atsuko Satoh ◽  
Yukoh Kudoh ◽  
Sangun Lee ◽  
Masumi Saitoh ◽  
Miwa Miura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mobility Assessment ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Day Services ◽  
And Control

Introduction: To evaluate fall-prevention rehabilitative slippers for use by self-caring, independent older adults. Materials and Methods: This assessor-blinded, randomized, and controlled 1-year study included 59 self-caring, independent participants (49 women) who attended day services. The mean age of participants was 84.0 ± 5.3 years. Participants were randomly selected from 8 nursing homes. We tested slippers top-weighted with a lead bead (200, 300, or 400 g). Intervention group participants walked while wearing the slippers for 10-20 min, 1-3 days/week at the day service center. Fall risk was measured using the Berg Balance Scale and the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) before and at 3-month intervals after the intervention/control phase. Results: After 12 months, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement. Berg Balance and POMA compared to the control group ( p < .05 p < .01, respectively). Mobility scores improved significantly for both measurements in the intervention group before and after ( p < .01), but the control group had significantly lower scores. Discussion: Overall, falls decreased in the intervention group from 10 to 7, and control group falls increased from 9 to 16 ( p = .02). No adverse events related to the intervention were reported. Conclusions: Rehabilitation training slippers may reduce falls in older adults.

scholarly journals Effect of isometric exercises on the masseter muscle in older adults with missing dentition: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoru Takano ◽  
Kohei Yamaguchi ◽  
Kazuharu Nakagawa ◽  
Kanako Yoshimi ◽  
Ayako Nakane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Masseter Muscle ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Oral Function ◽  
Masticatory Ability

AbstractMaintaining oral function in older individuals with missing teeth is important for leading a healthy and independent life. This study aimed to evaluate whether simple isometric exercises can maintain and improve the oral function [maximum occlusal force (MOF) and masticatory ability (MA)] and the masticatory muscle properties [masseter muscle thickness (MMT) and echo intensity (MMEI)] in older adults during the maintenance phase of removable prosthetic treatment. Participants were randomly categorized into the intervention and control groups. The mouthpieces were distributed, and participants were instructed to use them for exercising. The intervention group was instructed to perform maximum clenching for 10 s, whereas the control group was instructed to tap the teeth at an arbitrary speed for 10 s. Both were repeated five times at an interval of 5 s between each activity and twice daily for 4 weeks. The outcomes were measured after a month of exercise. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in the MOF, MMT during contraction, MMT at rest and MMEI during contraction. There were no significant differences in the MA and MMEI at rest. In the control group, no improvement was observed in any of the parameters. When the isometric exercises were performed using a mouthpiece, there was an improvement in the oral function and masseter muscle properties in older individuals with Eichner B status who used dentures.

Effect of isometric exercises on the masseter muscle in older adults with missing dentition: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoru Takano ◽  
Kohei Yamaguchi ◽  
Kazuharu Nakagawa ◽  
Kanako Yoshimi ◽  
Ayako Nakane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Masseter Muscle ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Muscle Properties ◽  
Oral Function ◽  
Masticatory Ability ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Maintaining oral function is important in older individuals with missing teeth for leading a healthy and independent life. This study aimed to evaluate whether simple isometric exercises can maintain and improve oral function (maximum occlusal force [MOF], masticatory ability [MA]) and masticatory muscle properties (masseter muscle thickness [MMT] and echo intensity [MMEI]) in older adults in the maintenance phase of removable prosthetic treatment. Participants were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was instructed to perform maximum clenching for 10 s, whereas the control group was instructed to tap the teeth at an arbitrary speed for 10 s. Both were repeated five times at an interval of 5 s between each activity and twice a day for 4 weeks. The outcomes were measured after a month of exercise. The intervention group showed significant improvement in MOF, MMT during contraction, and MMEI during contraction. There was no significant difference in the MA and MMEI at rest. In the control group, no improvement was observed in any of the parameters. When the isometric exercises were performed using a mouthpiece, there was improvement in oral function and masseter muscle properties in older individuals with Eichner B status who used dentures.

Effect of buddy-style intervention on exercise adherence in community-dwelling disabled older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110411
Author(s):  
Hiromichi Takeda ◽  
Katsuhiko Takatori
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Adherence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Day Care ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
And Control ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To assess the preliminary effects of a buddy-style intervention to improve exercise adherence. Design A parallel-group, open-label, pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting Adult day-care centers. Participants Sixty-five disabled older adults. Interventions All participants underwent a 12-week home exercise program, and the intervention group received a 5–10 min buddy-style intervention between older adults in the intervention group once weekly at an adult day-care center. Main measures Based on the exercise log calendar, the number of days of exercise was assessed for each of the three phases: 1–4 weeks, 5–8 weeks, and 9–12 weeks. Short physical performance battery was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results Of the 590 screened older adults, 65 were recruited and 33 were assigned to the intervention group. One participant in each group withdrew before the program began, and four and five patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively, dropped out by the 12-week assessment. Analysis of covariance of the 28 and 26 patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively, for whom exercise log calendars could be retrieved, showed that the intervention group (24.4/28 days) exercised significantly more days than the control group (20.6/28 days) at 9–12 weeks ( P = 0.009). In the between-group effect of the intention-to-treat analysis of short physical performance battery, walking and standing test ( P = 0.790, P = 0.829) were not significantly different, and balance test ( P = 0.049) was significantly better in the control group. Conclusions There was a preliminary effect of the buddy-style intervention to improve exercise adherence.

Abstract TP168: Efficacy of a Pictogram to Promote Stroke Knowledge Among Illiterate Korean Elderly

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cha-Nam Shin ◽  
Jeongha Sim ◽  
Dongchoon Ahn
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Stroke Knowledge

Background and Purpose: Extensive research supports the importance of knowledge in stroke prevention and reducing prehospital delay time. However, the level of stroke knowledge among Korean older adults remains low. In particular, older adults who are illiterate lack of stroke information despite being at high risk. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the efficacy of a pictogram to enhance stroke knowledge in the high-risk and illiterate older adults. Methods: We conducted a pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design study and compared differences in stroke knowledge before and after the intervention. A total of 117 older adults (82 in the intervention group and 35 in the control group) who were 60 years and older residing in community participated in the study. Participants in the intervention group received a pictogram-based education, while participants in the control group received a powerpoint-based education. Stroke knowledge was measured by structured survey questionnaires. Descriptive statistics for sample characteristics, repeated measure ANOVA for the efficacy, and independent t-test for satisfaction comparison between groups were used. Results: The intervention group showed a higher increase in stroke knowledge (F=16.45), awareness of risk factors (F=15.71), stroke warning signs and symptoms (F=17.29), and action at stroke (F=19.36) compared to the control group at p <.001. Also, the intervention group reported that they would recommend the education program to others (t=2.64, p<.05) and the program was applicable to real situation (t=4.47, p <.001), which were scored higher than the control group. Conclusions: The data revealed that a pictogram-based education is more effective than a powerpoint-based education among illiterate older adults. Replicated studies with this pictogram in a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted, which may give greater validity to our findings. Future longitudinal research is recommended to examine retention of stroke knowledge over the long term.

Meridian Cuffing Exercises Improved Functional Fitness and Cardiopulmonary Functioning of Community Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiao-Ting Tung ◽  
Chi-Chieh Lai ◽  
Kuei-Min Chen ◽  
Han-Ya Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Fitness ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Study Intervention ◽  
Single Blind

This study was aimed to test the effects of a meridian cuffing exercise, the Healthy Beat Acupunch (HBA) regimen, on the functional fitness and cardiopulmonary functioning of community older adults. A single-blind, cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted. We randomly allocated eight community care centers to the intervention or control group and recruited 228 participants who completed the study (intervention: four centers, n = 111; control: four centers, n = 117). The intervention group underwent a 40-min session of HBA regimen 3 times per week for 6 months. Functional fitness and cardiopulmonary functioning were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months of the intervention. The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in functional fitness and cardiopulmonary functioning than the control group between baseline and either 3 months or 6 months. We suggest that activities designed to promote health among community older adults include acupunch exercises.

scholarly journals 86 Developing the Adapted Lifestyle - Integrated Functional Exercise Programme in Thai Context (TLIFE) to Prevent Falls among Older Adults in Thailand: A Mixed Methods Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv18-iv27
Author(s):  
Sasiporn Ounjaichon ◽  
Chris Todd ◽  
Emma Stanmore ◽  
Elisabeth Boulton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Exercise ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Introduction Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older Thai adults. There is a need to develop a fall prevention exercise programme to encourage participation and adherence. The adapted Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (aLiFE) programme may be suitable by integrating exercise into daily routines as opposed to attending an exercise class. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the aLiFE programme in Thai context (TLiFE) among older Thai adults. Methods Based on the findings of a prior qualitative study, a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) of TLiFE was conducted among community-dwelling older adults, comparing the TLiFE intervention group with a usual care control group. Outcome measures were analysed at baseline, 3 months, and after 6 months of the intervention. Results We recruited a total of 72 older adults into the RCT, randomised to TLiFE (n=36) and control (n=36). The retention rate at 6 months was 91.7%. Attendance in the intervention group (3 home visits and 4 follow-up calls) was 82.9%. There were no differences in fall incidence between the groups. The acceptability survey reveals TLiFE is easy to perform in daily life, safe, and useful. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion The TLiFE programme appears to be acceptable and feasible to deliver to community-dwelling older Thai adults. This feasibility study was not powered to detect a difference between groups. A further fully powered definitive randomised controlled trial of TLiFE is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness before it is integrated within the healthcare system in Thailand.

An Interactive Web-Based Intervention to Achieve Healthy Weight in Young Children

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 547-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen R. Wald ◽  
Linda J. Ewing ◽  
Stacey C. L. Moyer ◽  
Jens C. Eickhoff
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Healthy Behavior ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Z Scores

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial for parents of overweight and obese 3- to 7-year-olds was performed to assess the feasibility of a program promoting healthy eating and lifestyle by targeting parents as agents of change. The intervention was composed of 6-in-person group sessions and a customized website over 12 months. The control group received customary care. The primary outcome was feasibility of the intervention to promote healthy behavior change measured by attendance. The secondary outcome was effectiveness assessed by attaining reduced body mass index (BMI) z scores, healthy behavior changes and increased parent self-efficacy. Seventy-three child-parent dyads were enrolled; 14 parents never attended any sessions. Participation in follow-up assessments did not meet the hypothesized level. Ultimate BMI z scores did not differ between control and intervention groups. Parenting skills did not improve in the intervention group. This intervention to achieve healthy lifestyle changes in children via their parents as “change agents” was unsuccessful.

scholarly journals Medication Adherence Support of an In-home Electronic Medication Dispensing System for Individuals living with Chronic Conditions: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mubashir Arain ◽  
Armghan Ahmad ◽  
Venus Chiu ◽  
Lorena Kembel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Medication adherence is challenging for older adults due to factors such as the number of medications, dosing schedule, and the duration of drug therapy. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an in-home electronic medication dispensing system (MDS) on improving medication adherence and health perception in older adults with chronic conditions. Methods: A pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted using a two-arm parallel assignment model. The intervention group used an MDS as their medication management method. The control group continued to use their current methods of medication management. Block randomization was used to assign participants into the intervention or control group. The inclusion criteria included 1) English speaking 2) age 50 and over 3) diagnosed with one or more chronic condition(s) 4) currently taking five or more oral medications 5) City of Calgary resident. Participants were recruited from a primary care clinic in Alberta, Canada. The study was open label where knowledge about group assigned to participants after randomization was not withheld. Medication adherence was captured over a continuous, six-month period and analyzed using Intention-to-Treat (ITT) analysis. Results: A total of 91 participants were assessed for eligibility and 50 were randomized into the two groups. The number of participants analyzed for ITT was 23 and 25 in the intervention and control group, respectively. Most of the demographic characteristics were comparable in the two groups except mean age of the intervention group, which was higher compared to the control group (63.96±7.86 versus 59.52±5.93, p-value=0.03). The average recorded adherence over 26 weeks was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (98.35%±2.15% versus 91.17%±9.76%, p<0.01). The self-rated medication adherence in the intervention group also showed a significant increase from baseline to 6-month (7.63±1.63 versus 9.13±0.81, p<0.01). The control group showed a non-significant increase (7.20±1.74 versus 8.27±2.09, p=0.07). Conclusion: MDS can be an effective, long-term solution to medication non-adherence in older adults experiencing chronic conditions and taking multiple medications. The technology induces better consistency and improvement in medication taking behaviour than simple, non-technological intervention. Trial Registration: Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on April 09, 2020 with identifier NCT04339296.

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