Walking meditation versus balance training for improving balance abilities among older adults with history of fall: A randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110682
Author(s):  
Chalida Phoobangkerdphol ◽  
Patchara Limampai ◽  
Sirinuch Dasri ◽  
Vilai Kuptniratsaikul

Objective To investigate improvement in balance abilities compared between walking meditation and balance training among older adults with history of fall. Interventions Walking meditation or mindfulness meditation whilst standing and moving ( n = 35) or balance training ( n = 33) 20–30 min/day, 5–7 days/week for 24 weeks was performed at home. Main outcomes The primary outcomes were dynamic balance abilities as assessed by Timed Up and Go test (TUGT), and static balance as assessed by Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Single Leg Stance Test (SLST). The secondary outcomes were quality of life as measured by the EuroQOL 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L), and mental health as evaluated by the Thai Geriatric Mental Health Assessment Tool-15 (TGMHA-15). All outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 9 months. Self-reported compliance, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were recorded at 6 and 9 months. Results The mean age was 69 years (range: 60–85). No significant difference was observed between groups for the 3 primary outcome measures. The mean difference (95% confidence interval) between groups was −0.48 (-1.40, 0.44) for TUGT, −1.11 (-3.66, 1.45) for FRT, and 0.82 (-5.03, 6.67) for SLST. The EQ-5D-5L and TGMHA-15 also showed no significant difference between groups. Most participants were in good compliance with the exercise protocol (48.3–68.0%), and no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion Our results showed walking meditation to be comparable to balance training for improving balance abilities in older adults with history of fall. Walking meditation may be considered an alternative treatment for improving balance abilities in this patient population.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1188.1-1188
Author(s):  
C. Daldoul ◽  
N. El Amri ◽  
K. Baccouche ◽  
H. Zeglaoui ◽  
E. Bouajina

Background:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is considered as a risk factor of low bone mineral density (BMD). In fact, the prevalence of osteoporosis ranges from 17% to 41% in IBD patients. The possible contributing factors may include malabsorption, glucocorticoid treatment and coexisting comorbiditiesObjectives:The purpose of our work was to determine the frequency and the determinants of osteoporosis in patients with IBD and to assess whether there is a difference in BMD status between UC and CD.Methods:This is a retrospective study, over a period of 5 years (from January 2014 to December 2018) and including patients followed for IBD who had a measurement of BMD by DEXA. Clinical, anthropometric and densitometric data (BMD at the femoral and vertebral site) were recorded. The WHO criteria for the definition of osteoporosis and osteopenia were applied.Results:One hundred and five patients were collected; among them 45 were men and 60 were women. The average age was 45.89 years old. The average body mass index (BMI) was 25.81 kg/m2 [16.44-44.15]. CD and UC were diagnosed in respectively 57.1% and 42.9%. A personal history of fragility fracture was noted in 4.8%. Hypothyroidism was associated in one case. Early menopause was recorded in 7.6%. 46.8% patients were treated with corticosteroids. The mean BMD at the vertebral site was 1.023 g/cm3 [0.569-1.489 g/cm3]. Mean BMD at the femoral site was 0.920g/cm3 [0.553-1.286g / cm3]. The mean T-score at the femoral site and the vertebral site were -1.04 SD and -1.27 SD, respectively. Osteoporosis was found in 25.7% and osteopenia in 37.1%. Osteoporosis among CD and UC patients was found in respectively 63% and 37%. The age of the osteoporotic patients was significantly higher compared to those who were not osteoporotic (52.23 vs 43.67 years, p = 0.01). We found a significantly higher percentage of osteoporosis among men compared to women (35.6% vs 18.3%, p=0.046). The BMI was significantly lower in the osteoporotic patients (23.87 vs 26.48 kg/m2, p=0.035) and we found a significant correlation between BMI and BMD at the femoral site (p=0.01). No increase in the frequency of osteoporosis was noted in patients treated with corticosteroids (27.9% vs 21.6%, p=0.479). Comparing the UC and CD patients, no difference was found in baseline characteristics, use of steroids or history of fracture. No statistically significant difference was found between UC and CD patients for osteoporosis(p=0.478), BMD at the femoral site (p=0.529) and at the vertebral site (p=0.568).Conclusion:Osteoporosis was found in 25.7% of IBD patients without any difference between CD and UC. This decline does not seem to be related to the treatment with corticosteroids but rather to the disease itself. Hence the interest of an early screening of this silent disease.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Maria Keller ◽  
Christina Derksen ◽  
Lukas Kötting ◽  
Martina Schmiedhofer ◽  
Sonia Lippke

Abstract Background Patient-centered care and patient involvement have been increasingly recognized as crucial elements of patient safety. However, patient safety has rarely been evaluated from the patient perspective with a quantitative approach aiming at making patient safety and preventable adverse events measurable. Objectives The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a questionnaire assessing patient safety by perceived triggers of preventable adverse events among patients in primary health-care settings while considering mental health. Methods Two hundred and ten participants were recruited through various digital and print channels and asked to complete an online survey between November 2019 and April 2020. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify domains of triggers of preventable adverse events affecting patient safety. Furthermore, a multi-trait scaling analysis was performed to evaluate internal reliability as well as item-scale convergent–discriminant validity. A multivariate analysis of covariance evaluated whether individuals below and above the symptom threshold for depression and generalized anxiety perceive triggers of preventable adverse events differently. Results The five factors determined were information and communication with patients, time constraints of health-care professionals, diagnosis and treatment, hygiene and communication among health-care professionals, and knowledge and operational procedures. The questionnaire demonstrated a good total and subscale internal consistency (α = 0.90, range = 0.75–0.88), good item-scale convergent validity with significant correlations between 0.57 and 0.78 (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) for all items with their associated subscales, and satisfactory item-scale discriminant validity between 0.14 and 0.55 (P > 0.05) with no significant correlations between the items and their competing subscales. The questionnaire further revealed to be a generic measure irrespective of patients’ mental health status. Patients older than 50 years of age perceived a significantly greater threat to their own safety compared to patients below that age. Conclusion The developed Perceptions of Preventable Adverse Events Assessment Tool (PPAEAT) exhibits good psychometric properties, which supports its use in future research and primary health-care practice. Further validation of the PPAEAT in different settings, languages and larger samples is needed. The results of this study need to be considered when assessing patient safety in the context of health-care research.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 033310242110474
Author(s):  
Debashish Chowdhury ◽  
Luv Bansal ◽  
Ashish Duggal ◽  
Debabrata Datta ◽  
Ankit Mundra ◽  
...  

Objective The aim of the TOP-PRO-study, a double-blind randomized controlled trial, was to assess the efficacy (non-inferiority) and tolerability of propranolol compared to topiramate for the prevention of chronic migraine. Background Except for topiramate, oral preventive treatment for chronic migraine lacks credible evidence. Methods Chronic migraine patients aged above 18 years and less than 65 years of age, not on any preventive treatment were randomly allocated to receive topiramate (100 mg/day) or propranolol (160 mg/day). The primary efficacy outcome was the mean change in migraine days per 28 days at the end of 24 weeks from baseline. A mean difference of 1.5 days per four weeks was chosen as the cut-off delta value. Multiple secondary efficacy outcomes and treatment emergent adverse events were also assessed. Results As against the planned sample size of 244, only 175 patients could be enrolled before the spread of the corona virus disease-2019 pandemic and enforcement of lockdown in India. Of the 175 randomized patients, 95 (topiramate 46 and propranolol 49) completed the trial. The mean change in migraine days was −5.3 ± 1.2 vs −7.3 ± 1.1 days (p = 0.226) for topiramate and propranolol groups respectively. Propranolol was found to be non-inferior and not superior to topiramate (point estimate of −1.99 with a 95% confidence interval of −5.23 to 1.25 days). Multiple secondary outcomes also did not differ between the two groups. Intention to treat analysis of 175 patients and per-protocol analysis of 95 patients yielded concordant results. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. Conclusion Propranolol (160mg/day) was non-inferior, non-superior to topiramate (100mg/day) for the preventive treatment of chronic migraine and had a comparable tolerability profile. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry-India CTRI/2019/05/018997)


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mefkure Eraslan Sahin ◽  
Erdem Sahin ◽  
Yusuf Madendag ◽  
Ilknur Col Madendag ◽  
Ahter Tanay Tayyar ◽  
...  

Background. Primary dysmenorrhea, defined as painful menstrual cramps originating in the uterus without underlying pathology, is a gynecological disease that affects quality of life and school success. Our goal was to determine the effect of anterior uterocervical angle on primary dysmenorrhea and disease severity. Methods. A total of 200 virgin adolescents, 16 to 20 years of age, were included in the study. The Andersch and Milsom scale was used to determine dysmenorrhea severity. Those with pathologies causing secondary dysmenorrhea were excluded from the study. Study subjects were grouped based on severity of pain. Demographic characteristics and uterocervical ultrasonographic measurements were compared among groups. Results. Of the 200 participants enrolled in the study, 50 were healthy controls and 150 had primary dysmenorrhea. Those with primary dysmenorrhea had a significant family history of primary dysmenorrhea compared with controls (P<0.001). Age (P=0.668), body mass index (P=0.898), menarche age (P=0.915), and length of menstrual cycles (P=0.740) were similar in all groups. The uterine corpus longitudinal axis, uterine corpus transverse axis, and uterine cervix longitudinal axis were also similar (P=0.359, P=0.279, and P=0.369, resp.). The mean uterocervical angle was 146.8 ± 6.0 in controls and 143.3 ± 7.3 in those with mild pain with no significant difference between the groups. In those with moderate pain, the mean uterocervical angle was 121.2 ± 7.3 compared with 101 ± 9.2 in those with severe pain, which was a significant difference. Additionally, there was also a significant difference in the uterocervical angle among those with mild, moderate, and severe pain (P<0.001). Conclusion. Our results indicate that a narrower anterior uterocervical angle is associated with primary dysmenorrhea and disease severity.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel G Hilerio Lopez

Malnutrition in the older adult is an ongoing situation in Mexico and is most apparent in individuals that reside in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement homes. For that reason, it is necessary to evaluate the nutritional status of these adults by means of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and levels of three serum indicators that are commonly ordered when making malnutrition diagnosis. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 older adults residing in eldercare facilities. Nutritional status was evaluated by means of the MNA and three serum indicators (albumin, ferritin, and hemoglobin). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic characteristics, and a Student’s t test, based on gender and reference values, was used to compare mean values of the three serum indicators.  A Chi-square test was used to compare proportions in individuals, based on gender, who had normal nutritional status or were malnourished, and who were at-risk of malnutrition.  A One-way ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc test was used to identify the association between serum indicators and nutritional status of older adults. Of the 100 older adults studied, 53% were men and 47% were women. The mean age was 85±0.7 years. According to the MNA, 20% had normal nutritional status, 55% were at-risk of malnutrition, and 25% were malnourished. The mean indicator values were: albumin 4.7±0.04 g/dL, ferritin 74.2±8.7 ng/mL, and hemoglobin 13.0±0.1 g/dL. No significant association was found between serum indicators and each MNA classification; however, when the same indicators were compared between the sexes, hemoglobin showed a significant difference (P=0.037). Women had lower values but those values did not extend beyond the established physiological range for this population. There was a 55% prevalence of risk of malnutrition in the nutritional status of older adults living in Mexican eldercare facilities in a Mexican province and it was even more frequent in women. 


Author(s):  
Dr. Hitesh Kumar Solanki ◽  
Dr. Omnath P Yadav ◽  
Dr. Anita J Gojiya

The study was conducted in department of physiology, B J Medical College, Ahmedabad from Mar. 2012 to Feb. 2013. This was a cross-sectional study to evaluate the effect of smoking on lung   function and serum lipids in asymptomatic smokers   and comparable non   smokers. The mean of the various spirometric parameters were calculated of the subjects for both the groups. The mean FVC in group I and group II was 2.60 ± 0.62 L and 4.10 ± 0.64L respectively. The mean FEV1 in group I was 1.91 ± 0.57L and     3.19 ± 0.77L in group II Group I had mean FEF25% - 75% and PEFR of 1.98 ± 0.67L/sec and 4.50 ± 1.57L/sec respectively. Group II had mean FEF25 – 75% of 4.22 ± 1.23L/sec and a mean PEFR of 7.22 ± 1.42L/sec. In young smokers and asymptomatic, still the spirometric values were significantly deranged as compared to controls. Even smokers with history of less pack years of smoking also had significant abnormalities of lung function. All he spirometric values in the two groups had statistically highly significant difference and were higher in non-smokers as compared to smokers. The spirometric values were reduced in smokers with history of smoking for as low as two pack years. Keywords: Progression, PFT, Asymptomatic & Smokers


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Giovanna De Roza ◽  
David Wei Liang Ng ◽  
Blessy Koottappal Mathew ◽  
Teena Jose ◽  
Ling Jia Goh ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundFalls in older adults is a common problem worldwide. Fear of falling (FoF) is a consequence of falls which has far-reaching implications including activity restriction, functional decline and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with FoF in a segment of Singapore’s community-dwelling older adults. MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of adults aged 65 and above from 4 primary care clinics from September 2020 to March 2021. Data were collected on demographic factors and clinical factors including history of falls and frailty as determined by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). FoF was measured using the Short Falls Efficacy Scale–International (Short FES-I), cut-off score of 14 and above indicated high FoF. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of high FoF.ResultsOut of 360 older adults, 78.1% were Chinese and 59.7% females. The mean age was 78.3 years and 76 (21.1%) had a history of falls in the past six months. Almost half (43.1%) were mildly to moderately frail and most (80.6%) had three or more chronic conditions. The mean FoF score was 15.5 (SD 5.97) and 60.8% reported high FoF. Logistic regression found that Malay ethnicity (OR = 5.81, 95% CI 1.77 – 19.13), use of walking aids (OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.54 – 8.77) and increasing frailty were significant predictors for high FoF. The odds of high FoF were significantly higher in pre frail older adults (OR = 6.87, 95% CI = 2.66 – 17.37), mildly frail older adults (OR =18.58, 95% CI = 4.88 – 70.34) and moderately frail older adults (OR = 144.78, 95% CI = 13.86 – 1512.60).ConclusionsFoF is a prevalent and compelling issue in community-dwelling older adults, particularly those with frailty. The demographic and clinical factors identified in this study will be helpful to develop targeted and tailored interventions for FoF.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salima Farooq ◽  
Yasmin Parpio ◽  
Saadia Sattar ◽  
Zahra Ali ◽  
Shirin Rahim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Globally, the prevalence of mental illness amongst university students is a major concern; same is the case with nursing students. Unaddressed mental illness stigma contributes towards hiding of symptoms hampers timely identification of the disease, and leads to reluctance in attitude towards seeking help. This study determined personal and perceived depression stigma and attitude towards help-seeking behaviors and its associated factors, among undergraduate nursing students at a private nursing institution in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study by recruiting 246 first and second-Year undergraduate nursing students using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using the Depression Stigma Scale (DSS) and the Attitude toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS), along with a demographic questionnaire. Chi-square test, Fischer’s exact test and student T test were used to determine significance of difference of each response between first and second year students. Multiple linear regression was employed to determine predictors of DSS and ATSPPHS. Approval was obtained from the university’s Ethics Review Committee. Results The study findings revealed that the mean scores of the personal and perceived stigma scales were 29.7 ± 4.9 and 24.3 ± 6.1, respectively. The mean score of ATSPPHS was 16.5 ± 3.8. The participants reported a mean openness score of7.8 ± 2.6 and a value scale score of 8.7 ± 3.0. A history of psychiatric illness, current living arrangements, and personal depression stigma were found to be significant predictors of ATSPHHS. The year of study was a significant predictor of personal depression stigma whereas both years of study and the current living arrangements were significantly associated with perceived depression stigma. Conclusion Attitude towards seeking help for mental illness was significantly influenced by personal and perceived stigma. Moreover, previous history of psychiatric illness and living arrangements also predicted attitudes towards seeking help. In order to encourage positive attitudes towards seeking help for students’ well-being, it is essential to destigmatize mental health issues by adapting context-based, individualized, and group mental health interventions.


Author(s):  
Abolfazl Dashti- Rahmat Abadi ◽  
Hassan Mozaffari- Khosravi ◽  
Mahdieh Nemayandeh ◽  
Mohammad Hosein Soltani ◽  
Masoud Mirzaei ◽  
...  

Background: Studies on the relationship of urinary sodium with overweight and obesity led to controversial results. Furthermore, no study has ever investigated the association between sodium status and obesity in Iranian adults. The present study examined the association of urinary sodium levels with overweight and obesity in adults living in Yazd, Iran. Methods: The present study recruited 240 adults randomly selected from adults, who participated in Yazd Health Study (YaHS). A 24-hour urine sample was collected from the participants. Participants' demographic information, history of chronic diseases, and smoking status were obtained. The height and weight of the participants were also assessed using standard methods. We compared the weight and body mass index (BMI) of the participants based on the urinary sodium excretion tertiles. The logistic regression model in crude and multivariable adjusted models was used to compare the odds of obesity between urinary sodium tertiles. Results: The findings showed that the mean urinary sodium was not significantly different among overweight, obese, and individuals with normal BMI (P > 0.05) using the crude and multivariable models. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the mean BMI according to urinary sodium excretion tertiles. In addition, the analyses showed that the sodium status was not significantly associated with odds of developing obesity in crude and in multivariable adjusted models. Conclusion: No significant relationship was seen between sodium status and overweight or obesity. Future prospective studies are highly recommended to confirm these results.


2021 ◽  

Mental health practitioners are encountering an ever-growing number of older adults and so an up-to-date and comprehensive text addressing the special considerations that arise in the psychological assessment and treatment of this population is vital. This accessible handbook does just that by introducing the key topics that psychologists and other health professionals face when working with older adults. Each area is introduced and then the special considerations for older adults are explored, including specific ethical and healthcare system issues. The use of case examples brings the topics further to life. An important feature of the book is the interweaving of diversity issues (culture, race, sexuality, etc.) within the text to lend an inclusive, contemporary insight into these important practice components. The Pikes Peak Geropsychology Knowledge and Skill Assessment Tool is included in an appendix so readers can test their knowledge, which will be helpful for those aiming for board certification in geropsychology (ABGERO). This an ideal text for mental health professionals transitioning to work with older clients, for those wanting to improve their knowledge for their regular practice, and for trainees or young clinicians just starting out.


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