scholarly journals Gait, physical function, and physical activity in three groups of home-dwelling older adults with different severity of cognitive impairment – a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Taraldsen ◽  
Jorunn L. Helbostad ◽  
Turid Follestad ◽  
Sverre Bergh ◽  
Geir Selbæk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mild Dementia ◽  
Gait Characteristics ◽  
Questionable Dementia ◽  
Severity Of Dementia

Abstract Background The research on associations between gait, physical function, physical activity (PA), and cognitive function is growing. Still, clinical assessments of cognitive function and motor function is often kept separate. In this study, we aimed to look at a broad range of measures of gait, physical function, and PA in three groups of home-dwelling older adults with no or questionable dementia, mild dementia, and moderate/severe dementia. Methods This cross-sectional study included 100 home-dwelling older adults, recruited from an outpatient geriatric memory clinic. Severity of dementia was categorised using the clinical dementia rating scale (CDR), with no or questionable dementia (CDR score 0 and 0.5), mild dementia (CDR score 1) and moderate/severe dementia (CDR score 2 and 3). We used thigh worn accelerometers to measure daily PA, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to measure physical function, and an electronic gait mat to evaluate gait characteristics. Associations between severity of dementia and measures of PA, physical function, and gait characteristics were assessed by linear regression. Results Participants’ (mean age 78.9 (SD 6.7) years, 57% women) average gait speed was 0.93 m/sec, and average upright time was 301 min/day. Statistically significant associations were found for the severity of dementia and gait speed (p=0.002), step time (p=0.001), physical function (SPPB, p=0.007), and PA (upright time, p=0.031), after adjusting for age. Overall, having no or questionable dementia was associated with faster gait speed (mean difference 0.163 (95% CI: 0.053 to 0.273)), shorter step time (-0.043 (-0.082 to -0.005)), better SPPB score (1.7 (0.5 to 2.8)), and longer upright time (78.9 (18.9 to 139.0)), compared to those with mild dementia. Furthermore, having no or questionable dementia was also associated with faster gait speed and better SPPB scores, as compared to those with moderate to severe dementia. No evidence of any differences was found between the participants with the mild dementia versus the moderate to severe dementia. Conclusions After adjusting for age, we found that the no or questionable dementia group to be associated with better gait and physical function, and more PA, as compared with the two groups with mild or moderate/severe dementia. Evaluation of gait, physical function, and PA can add clinically important information of everyday functioning in memory clinics meeting geriatric patients, but investigations on how to use these results to guide interventions are still needed.

Strength, Static Balance, Physical Activity, and Age Predict Maximal Gait Speed in Healthy Older Adults From a Rural Community: A Cross-Sectional Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Aranda-García ◽  
Albert Busquets ◽  
Antoni Planas ◽  
Joan A. Prat-Subirana ◽  
Rosa M. Angulo-Barroso
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Abilities

Purpose:Gait speed is related to physical function in older adults. This cross-sectional study examined the best predictors of maximal gait speed (MGS) among physical abilities, and general factors in healthy, rural community-dwelling older adults.Methods:MGS, muscle strength, and postural sway were measured in 55 community-dwelling participants (age, 72.1 ± 6.8, range 61–87 years; 72.7% women). Two stepwise regressions were used to find MGS predictors in two models: physical abilities and global.Results:Strength of knee extensors with 60° of knee flexion (KStrength60°) and maximal distance in the anterior-posterior direction with eyes closed explained 50.2% of MGS variance (p < .05) in the physical abilities model. KStrength60°, age, and level of physical activity explained 63.9% of MGS variance (p < .05) in the global model.Conclusions:Regardless of the model, KStrength60° was the best predictor of MGS in rural female older adults. Future research should examine the generalization of these findings to rural male older adults.

scholarly journals Status of Constipation and Its Association with Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11083
Author(s):  
Hyungchul Park ◽  
Jihye Lim ◽  
Ji Yeon Baek ◽  
Eunju Lee ◽  
Hee-Won Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Iadl Disability ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

(1) Background: As the clinical relevance of constipation and sarcopenia is not well studied, we aimed to investigate the association between them in older adults. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1278 community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. The Rome IV criteria were used to identify patients with clinically defined constipation, while sarcopenia was defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia consensus. The cohort was classified into three groups: no constipation, self-reported constipation only, and clinically defined constipation. (3) Results: The presence of constipation was associated with sarcopenia and slow gait speed (p < 0.001). After adjustment for possible covariates, the association with sarcopenia attenuated, while that for slow gait speed persisted. In terms of geriatric parameters, both groups with clinically defined and self-reported constipation had a higher burden of cognitive impairment, IADL disability, and lower QOL scores (p < 0.05) compared with those without constipation. (4) Conclusions: Sarcopenia and slow gait speed associated with constipation in community-dwelling older adults. Individuals with self-reported constipation symptoms alone showed comparable sarcopenic and geriatric burden to those with clinically defined constipation. Clinical suspicion for possible co-existing sarcopenia is warranted in older patients with constipation.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional associations of housework with cognitive, physical and sensorimotor functions in younger and older community-dwelling adults: the Yishun Study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e052557
Author(s):  
Shuen Yee Lee ◽  
Benedict Wei Jun Pang ◽  
Lay Khoon Lau ◽  
Khalid Abdul Jabbar ◽  
Wei Ting Seah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Recreational Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sit To Stand

ObjectivesRegular moderate-to-vigorous intensity recreational physical activity (PA) improves physical and cognitive functions. However, the age-associated relationships between non-recreational PA and functional ability remain less explored. We examined the associations between housework and functional health among younger and older Singaporean community-dwelling adults.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting and participantsYounger (<65 years, n=249) and older (≥65 years, n=240) community-dwelling adults were randomly recruited from a large residential town in Singapore.Outcome measuresPhysical function was assessed using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), repeated-chair-sit-to-stand and gait speed. Cognitive and sensorimotor functions were assessed using Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), respectively.MethodsLight housework (LH) and heavy housework (HH), recreational, and occupational and transport-related PAs were assessed using PA questionnaires. Participants were dichotomised into low-volume and high-volume LH and HH groups. Results were adjusted for level of recreational and other non-recreational PAs.ResultsAmong older but not younger adults, RBANS scores were 8% and 5% higher in high HH and LH groups compared with low HH and LH groups, respectively (p=0.012 and p=0.016). Specifically, HH was associated with 14% higher attention score (p=0.014), and LH was associated with 12% and 8% higher immediate and delayed memory scores, respectively (p<0.001 and p=0.004). In older adults, sit-to-stand time and PPA scores were 8% and 23% lower in the high HH group than the low HH group, respectively (p=0.011 and p=0.040). SPPB and gait speed did not differ with age or HH. LH was not associated with physical or sensorimotor function.ConclusionsAmong older adults, housework is associated with higher cognitive function, specifically in attention and memory. Associations of housework with physical function and sensorimotor performance were intensity dependent. Housework PA is positively associated with functional health among community-dwelling older adults, independent of recreation and other non-recreational PAs. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to establish causality.

scholarly journals Common behavioral problems among patients with dementia attending in tertiary care hospitals in Dhaka city

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-52
Author(s):  
Sadya Tarannum ◽  
Bushra Sultana ◽  
Sultana Algin ◽  
Atiqul Haq Majumder
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Behavioral Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Severe Dementia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Moderate Dementia ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Severity Of Dementia

Elderly people are increasing day by day both in developing and developed country due to development of new treatment, increased awareness of people and improved health facilities. This present study was conducted with the aim to identify behavioral problems according to severity of dementia. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuro-medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh and in National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2013 to March 2015. A total 150 patients were selected purposefully; severity of dementia was graded according to Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and another questionnaire was applied to detect behavioral problems of patients. In this study mild dementia was found as the most frequent (38%), followed by severe dementia (35.3%) and moderate dementia (26.7%). The results indicated that behavioral problem was more common in severe dementia. Behavioral problem was more common in severe dementia than in mild and moderate dementia. Among behavioral problems sleep disturbance and sexual disturbance were statistically significant This study provides information about pattern of behavioral problems among patients with dementia. Liaison approach with other discipline may improve quality of life of these patients treatable.Bang J Psychiatry Dec 2014; 28(2): 50-52

Tea consumption and physical function in older adults: A cross-sectional study

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tze-Pin Ng ◽  
K. C. Y. Aung ◽  
L. Feng ◽  
L. Feng ◽  
M. S. Z. Nyunt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Tea Consumption ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals LONG-TERM GAIT SPEED TELEMONITORING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT OR MILD DEMENTIA. THE DECI STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S333-S333
Author(s):  
Lorenzo M Donini ◽  
Alberto Rainoldi ◽  
Luca C Feletti ◽  
Gianluca Zia ◽  
Eleonora Poggiogalle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Mild Dementia

Abstract Non-intrusive telemonitoring of physical activity in Older Adults suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or Mild Dementia (MD), was implemented as part of a 6-month multicomponent digital intervention in the DECI study (EU Horizon2020 grant No 643588). Methods: To estimate gait speed long-term trajectory, a processing algorithm was applied on individual accelerometry data continuously recorded via the ADAMO wrist-watch accelerometer. Speed Trend Analysis was performed if patients wore the device ≥90 days. Only outdoor activity was analyzed to reflect patients’ own natural gait speed. Only time spent in high or very-high-activity level is used, to eliminate rest periods (e.g. sitting on a bench, on a bus or driving). A raw mean walking speed was computed. Stride was computed from gender and height and walked distance from stride and step count. Mean walking speed was estimated by walking distance and duration. A rolling mean algorithm was applied to the computed mean 15-day baseline series, resulting in a new series representing normalized patient’s gait speed trajectory during the study. Results: Baseline characteristics: F/M=21/19; MCI/MD=36/4; age=75.4±6.0 years; BMI= 24.6±5,2; MMSE=26.5±2.4; education=8.9±4.0 years. Monitoring days=147±29. Overall three main patterns of gait speed trajectory were identified: “relative stability”, “improving trend” and “progressive decline”: No evident correlation with cognitive status was observed in the sample. Examples of individual patterns are shown. Conclusions: Gait Speed Analysis can describe physical function trajectory over time and identify decliners from stable or improving older adults. Further analyses may clarify the relationship between physical function changes and cognitive status.

scholarly journals Self-efficacy and Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-69
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Bollaert ◽  
Robert W. Motl
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Demographic Shift ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: There is evidence of a demographic shift in the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) such that it is now common in older adults. Older adults with MS undergo declines in function, and aging with MS may compromise one's perception of confidence for managing this disease and its manifestations. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between self-efficacy and physical and cognitive function in older (≥ 60 years) adults with MS. Methods: The sample included 40 older adults with MS who completed the Multiple Sclerosis Self-efficacy (MSSE) Scale, undertook measures of physical and cognitive function, and wore an accelerometer for 7 days. The data were analyzed using partial Spearman correlations and linear regression. Results: Correlation analyses indicated that function, but not control, subscale scores on the MSSE Scale correlated with all measures of physical, but not cognitive, function. Linear regression analyses indicated that the function subscale of the MSSE Scale was the only variable that consistently explained variance in physical function outcomes. Conclusions: The findings are novel evidence of the association between self-efficacy for function and physical function outcomes in older adults with MS. Future research on self-efficacy is warranted with the goal of improving physical function in older adults with MS.

scholarly journals How Does Explicit Prioritization Alter Walking During Dual-Task Performance? Effects of Age and Sex on Gait Speed and Variability

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galit Yogev-Seligmann ◽  
Yael Rotem-Galili ◽  
Anat Mirelman ◽  
Ruth Dickstein ◽  
Nir Giladi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Gait Variability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Task Conditions

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated that the performance of a secondary task during walking alters gait.ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of task prioritization on walking in young and older adults to evaluate the “default” prioritization scheme used, the flexibility to alter prioritization and cortical resources allocated to gait and a secondary cognitive task, and any age-associated changes in these abilities.DesignA cross-sectional study that explicitly altered the focus of attention was used to investigate the effects of prioritization in young and older adults who were healthy.MethodsGait speed and gait variability were evaluated in young adults (n=40) and older adults (n=17) who were healthy, both during usual walking and under 3 dual-task conditions: (1) no specific prioritization instructions, (2) prioritization of gait, and (3) prioritization of the cognitive task.ResultsYoung adults significantly increased gait speed in the gait prioritization condition compared with gait speed in the no-instruction condition; a similar tendency was seen in the older adults. Gait speed was reduced when priority was given to the cognitive task in both age groups; however, this effect was less dramatic in the older adults. In the young adults, prioritization of gait tended to have different effects on gait speed among both men and women. In the older adults, but not in the young adults, all dual-task conditions produced increased gait variability, whereas prioritization did not alter this gait feature.LimitationsThe sample size and the relative homogeneity of the older adults could be considered as possible limitations of the study.ConclusionsEven among young adults, the effects of secondary, cognitive tasks on gait speed are strongly influenced by prioritization. This finding was less significant in the older adults, suggesting that there is an age-associated decline in the ability to flexibly allocate attention to gait. Somewhat surprisingly, when prioritization was not explicitly instructed, gait speed in both young and older adults most closely resembled that of the condition when they were instructed to focus attention on the cognitive task.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document