scholarly journals Short-term balance training and acute effects on postural sway in balance-deficient older adults: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niklas Sörlén ◽  
Andreas Hult ◽  
Peter Nordström ◽  
Anna Nordström ◽  
Jonas Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Balance Exercise

Abstract Background We aimed to determine the effectiveness of 4 weeks of balance exercise compared with no intervention on objectively measured postural sway. Methods This was a single-center parallel randomized controlled, open label, trial. A six-sided dice was used for allocation at a 1:1-ratio between exercise and control. The trial was performed at a university hospital clinic in Sweden and recruited community-dwelling older adults with documented postural instability. The intervention consisted of progressively challenging balance exercise three times per week, during 4 weeks, with follow-up at week five. Main outcome measures were objective postural sway length during eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Results Sixty-five participants aged 70 years (balance exercise n = 32; no intervention n = 33) were randomized. 14 participants were excluded from analysis because of early dropout before follow-up at week five, leaving 51 (n = 22; n = 29) participants for analysis. No significant differences were detected between the groups in any of the postural sway outcomes. Within-group analyses showed significant improvements in hand grip strength for the intervention group, while Timed Up & Go improvements were comparable between groups but only statistically significant in the control group. Conclusions Performing balance exercise over a four-week intervention period did not acutely improve postural sway in balance-deficient older adults. The lower limit in duration and frequency to achieve positive effects remains unclear. Trial registration Clinical trials NCT03227666, July 24, 2017, retrospectively registered.

scholarly journals Safer cycling in older age (SiFAr): a protocol of a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Maria Siebentritt ◽  
Veronika Keppner ◽  
Sabine Britting ◽  
Robert Kob ◽  
Anja Rappl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Link Type

Abstract Background Cycling has positive effects on health and the proportion of older cyclists is rising. However, the risk for older adults to be injured or killed by a bicycle accident increases. The aim of the ongoing project “Safer Cycling in Older Age (SiFAr)” is to promote safer cycling in community-dwelling older adults with a structured, multi-component exercise training. Methods SiFAr is a randomized, controlled trial with a duration of 3 months for the intervention and a 6–9 months follow-up. We address community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and older living in the area Nürnberg-Fürth-Erlangen (Germany) who are either 1) beginners with the e-bike or 2) feeling self-reported unsteadiness when cycling or 3) uptaking cycling after a longer break. Long-term, experienced cyclists without subjectively reported limitations or worries when cycling are excluded. Participants are either randomized 1:1 to an intervention group (IG; receiving multi-component exercise program related to cycling, MEPC) or an active control group (aCG; receiving health and bicycle-related presentations, HRP). The purpose of this study is to investigate if the cycling competence of the IG will improve compared to the aCG. The cycling competence as primary outcome is tested not blinded in a standardized cycle course prior and after the intervention period, which consists of variant tasks requiring motor and cognitive skills related to traffic situations in daily life. Additional assessments such as physical functioning, quality of life, fear of falling, questionnaires regarding cycling behavior are obtained. To investigate the primary objective, regression analyses with difference of errors in the cycling course as independent variable and group as dichotomous dependent variable adjusted for covariates (sex, bicycle type) will be performed. The trial design is described in the present manuscript, using the extended CONSORT checklist for reporting pragmatic trials. Discussion Since there is a lack of cycling-related interventions for older people, SiFAr aims to evaluate a standardized intervention to enhance cycling safety. The results of the SiFAr trial could contribute to the implementation of an evaluated cycling course concept promoting mobility and independence of older adults. Trial registration This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04362514 on April 27, 2020

Effects of Aerobic, Resistance, or Combined Exercise Training Among Older Adults with Subjective Memory Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Taeko Makino ◽  
Hiroyuki Umegaki ◽  
Masahiko Ando ◽  
Xian Wu Cheng ◽  
Koji Ishida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subjective Memory ◽  
Logical Memory ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Physical exercise is suggested to be effective for preventing cognitive decline in older adults, but the relative efficacy of different types of exercise have yet to be clarified. Objective: This single-blinded randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the differential effects of aerobic exercise training (AT), resistance exercise training (RT), and combined exercise training (CT) on cognition in older adults with subjective memory complaints (SMC). Methods: Community-dwelling older adults with SMC (n = 415; mean age = 72.3 years old) were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: AT, RT, CT, or control group. The study consisted of two phases: a 26-week intervention and a 26-week follow-up. The participants were evaluated at baseline, 26 weeks (postintervention), and 52 weeks (follow-up). The primary outcome of this study was memory function, which was assessed using the Logical Memory II subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) score. The secondary outcomes included global cognitive function, verbal fluency, working memory, processing speed, and executive functions. Results: Intention-to-treat analysis by a mixed-effect model repeated measure showed that the AT group had significantly improved performance on the WMS-R Logical Memory II test (2.74 [1.82–3.66] points) than the control group (1.36 [0.44–2.28] points) at the postintervention assessment (p = 0.037). The effect was more pronounced in those without amnesia than those with amnesia. No significant improvement was observed in the RT and CT groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that AT intervention can improve delayed memory in community-dwelling older adults, particularly in individuals without objective memory decline.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Treadmill Training Programme in Improving the Postural Balance on Institutionalized Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Natalia Moya Pereira ◽  
Marcel Jean Pierre Massè Araya ◽  
Marcos Eduardo Scheicher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Postural Balance ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Treadmill Walking ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Before And After

Background. Institutionalized older adults have increased gait and balance impairment compared with community-dwelling older adults. The use of the treadmill for the rehabilitation process has been studied in different groups, but not in the institutionalized elderly. Objectives. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a treadmill walking workout program on the postural balance of institutionalized older adults. Methods. Postural balance was assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), gait speed, and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) on 37 institutionalized older adults (23 in the intervention group and 14 in the control group). Training consisted of a 20-minute treadmill walking workout carried out twice a week for 10 weeks. Measurements were obtained before and after 10 weeks and with 1 month of follow-up for the intervention group. For the control group, the data were obtained before and after the training period. Results. Significant improvement occurred in all motor function parameters (BBS: p<0.01; gait speed: p<0.001; SPPB: p<0.001; and TUG: p<0.001). Conclusions. The present results permit us to conclude that a treadmill walking program had positive effects on the postural balance of institutionalized older adults.

Effectiveness of end-of-life education among community-dwelling older adults

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miho Matsui
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Wills ◽  
Artificial Nutrition ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Life Education

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention regarding end-of-life discussion directed at older Japanese adults and their attitude to and acceptance of this intervention. A quasi-experimental design was used. A total of 121 older adults, aged 65 years and over, consented to participate. Data from 55 intervention and 57 control participants were used for the analysis. The intervention consisted of an education program comprising a video, a lecture using a handout, and discussion among participants. The control group received only the handout. Both groups were followed up after one month. The intervention group’s attitude became more favorable towards advance directives, especially living wills (P = 0.024). In addition, their expression of preference for life-sustaining treatment by means of artificial nutrition was less at follow up, demonstrating that these older adults had become more autonomous (P = 0.008). There was greater acceptance of the intervention as a whole by the intervention group compared with the control group (P = 0.011). Although few participants overall completed living wills, at follow up twice as many in the intervention group had discussed end-of-life matters with family members and/or their physician.

scholarly journals Results of MyPlan 2.0 on Physical Activity in Older Belgian Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/13219 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. e13219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delfien Van Dyck ◽  
Karel Herman ◽  
Louise Poppe ◽  
Geert Crombez ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group 5 ◽  
Ehealth Intervention ◽  
And Control

Background The beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) for older adults are well known. However, few older adults reach the health guideline of 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Electronic health (eHealth) interventions are effective in increasing PA levels in older adults in the short term but, rarely, intermediate-term effects after a period without the support of a website or an app have been examined. Furthermore, current theory-based interventions focus mainly on preintentional determinants, although postintentional determinants should also be included to increase the likelihood of successful behavior change. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of the theory-based eHealth intervention, MyPlan 2.0, focusing on pre- and postintentional determinants on both accelerometer-based and self-reported PA levels in older Belgian adults in the short and intermediate term. Methods This study was a randomized controlled trial with three data collection points: baseline (N=72), post (five weeks after baseline; N=65), and follow-up (three months after baseline; N=65). The study took place in Ghent, and older adults (aged ≥65 years) were recruited through a combination of random and convenience sampling. At all the time points, participants were visited by the research team. Self-reported domain-specific PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and accelerometers were used to objectively assess PA. Participants in the intervention group got access to the eHealth intervention, MyPlan 2.0, and used it independently for five consecutive weeks after baseline. MyPlan 2.0 was based on the self-regulatory theory and focused on both pre- and postintentional processes to increase PA. Multilevel mixed-models repeated measures analyses were performed in R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Results Significant (borderline) positive intervention effects were found for accelerometer-based MVPA (baseline−follow-up: intervention group +5 min per day and control group −5 min per day; P=.07) and for accelerometer-based total PA (baseline−post: intervention group +20 min per day and control group −24 min per day; P=.05). MyPlan 2.0 was also effective in increasing self-reported PA, mainly in the intermediate term. A positive intermediate-term intervention effect was found for leisure-time vigorous PA (P=.02), moderate household-related PA (P=.01), and moderate PA in the garden (P=.04). Negative intermediate-term intervention effects were found for leisure-time moderate PA (P=.01) and cycling for transport (P=.07). Conclusions The findings suggest that theory-based eHealth interventions focusing on pre- and postintentional determinants have the potential for behavior change in older adults. If future studies including larger samples and long-term follow-up can confirm and clarify these findings, researchers and practitioners should be encouraged to use a self-regulation perspective for eHealth intervention development. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03194334; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03783611.

scholarly journals Results of MyPlan 2.0 on Physical Activity in Older Belgian Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delfien Van Dyck ◽  
Karel Herman ◽  
Louise Poppe ◽  
Geert Crombez ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group 5 ◽  
Ehealth Intervention ◽  
And Control

BACKGROUND The beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) for older adults are well known. However, few older adults reach the health guideline of 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Electronic health (eHealth) interventions are effective in increasing PA levels in older adults in the short term but, rarely, intermediate-term effects after a period without the support of a website or an app have been examined. Furthermore, current theory-based interventions focus mainly on preintentional determinants, although postintentional determinants should also be included to increase the likelihood of successful behavior change. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of the theory-based eHealth intervention, MyPlan 2.0, focusing on pre- and postintentional determinants on both accelerometer-based and self-reported PA levels in older Belgian adults in the short and intermediate term. METHODS This study was a randomized controlled trial with three data collection points: baseline (N=72), post (five weeks after baseline; N=65), and follow-up (three months after baseline; N=65). The study took place in Ghent, and older adults (aged ≥65 years) were recruited through a combination of random and convenience sampling. At all the time points, participants were visited by the research team. Self-reported domain-specific PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and accelerometers were used to objectively assess PA. Participants in the intervention group got access to the eHealth intervention, MyPlan 2.0, and used it independently for five consecutive weeks after baseline. MyPlan 2.0 was based on the self-regulatory theory and focused on both pre- and postintentional processes to increase PA. Multilevel mixed-models repeated measures analyses were performed in R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). RESULTS Significant (borderline) positive intervention effects were found for accelerometer-based MVPA (baseline−follow-up: intervention group +5 min per day and control group −5 min per day; <italic>P</italic>=.07) and for accelerometer-based total PA (baseline−post: intervention group +20 min per day and control group −24 min per day; <italic>P</italic>=.05). MyPlan 2.0 was also effective in increasing self-reported PA, mainly in the intermediate term. A positive intermediate-term intervention effect was found for leisure-time vigorous PA (<italic>P</italic>=.02), moderate household-related PA (<italic>P</italic>=.01), and moderate PA in the garden (<italic>P</italic>=.04). Negative intermediate-term intervention effects were found for leisure-time moderate PA (<italic>P</italic>=.01) and cycling for transport (<italic>P</italic>=.07). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that theory-based eHealth interventions focusing on pre- and postintentional determinants have the potential for behavior change in older adults. If future studies including larger samples and long-term follow-up can confirm and clarify these findings, researchers and practitioners should be encouraged to use a self-regulation perspective for eHealth intervention development. CLINICALTRIAL Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03194334; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03783611.

scholarly journals Improving the Driving of Community-Dwelling Older Canadians: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 730-730
Author(s):  
Brenda Vrkljan ◽  
Ruheena Sangrar ◽  
Lauren Griffith ◽  
Lori Letts ◽  
Michelle Porter
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Driver Training ◽  
Older Driver ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Older Canadians, similar to aging drivers in many other countries, want to drive, need to drive, and live in communities where driving is both valued and necessary for out-of-home participation. Many community-dwelling seniors are medically fit-to-drive, yet their collision risk remains higher than most other age groups, which some have attributed to their propensity to drive shorter distances in high-traffic areas (Antin et al., 2017). In this randomized controlled trial, the effect of a customized video-based older driver training program on behind-the-wheel performance was captured using the latest technology for an on-road evaluation. Results indicated the mean reduction in number of driving errors [mean (95% CI)=-12.0(-16.5, -7.6),p&lt;0.001] favoured the intervention group where their change between baseline and 4-week follow-up was statistically significant [mean(95% CI)=-10.3(-13.8, -6.8),p&lt;0.001], but not for the control group [mean (95% CI)=1.7(-0.08, 4.2), p&gt;0.05]. Our novel, video-based approach that provided individualized feedback improved driving performance for older drivers. Part of a symposium sponsored by Transportation and Aging Interest Group.

scholarly journals Effects of Exercise Training Combined with Increased Physical Activity to Prevent Chronic Pain in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuya Hirase ◽  
Hideki Kataoka ◽  
Shigeru Inokuchi ◽  
Jiro Nakano ◽  
Junya Sakamoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objective. With the aim of developing a chronic pain prevention program, this randomized controlled trial examined whether exercise training combined with increased physical activity more effectively improves pain and physical activity than exercise training alone in community-dwelling older adults without chronic pain. Methods. We randomized 76 older adults without chronic pain into an intervention group n=38 involving exercise training combined with increased physical activity and a control group n=38 involving exercise training alone. The exercise training comprised weekly 60-min sessions for 12 weeks. The program to increase physical activity required participants to record their daily step counts using pedometers. Pain intensity, total number of pain sites, and physical activity were assessed before and 12 weeks after the intervention. Results. A time-by-group interaction was found for physical activity, with the intervention group showing significant improvement p<0.05. The intervention group also showed greater improvement in pain intensity and total number of pain sites at 12 weeks after intervention than the control group p<0.05. Conclusions. In older adults without chronic pain, exercise training combined with increased physical activity improves key outcome indicators more effectively than exercise training alone. “This trial is registered with UMIN000018503.”

scholarly journals A Digital Intervention to Alleviate Loneliness and Depression Among Older Persons During the COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 933-934
Author(s):  
Stav Shapira ◽  
Ella Cohn-Schwartz ◽  
Daphna Yeshua-Katz ◽  
Limor Aharonson-Daniel ◽  
A Mark Clarfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Wait List ◽  
Wait List Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Wait List Control

Abstract Social distancing has been proven to be effective in reducing infections but may cause ill effects on the mental health of older adults. We evaluated the effects of a short-term virtual group intervention that provided tools to promote better coping, and mitigate adverse mental health effects during the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic. A Randomized controlled trial tested the effects of a guided intervention comprised of seven online group sessions in which cognitive-behavioral techniques targeting maladaptive beliefs and appraisals were learned and practiced via ZOOM. A total of 82 community-dwelling adults from Israel, aged between 65 - 90 were randomized to either an intervention group (n=64) or a wait-list control group (n=18). Loneliness (UCLA loneliness scale) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. The findings showed a significant decrease in loneliness and depression scores in the intervention group with results maintained at 1-month follow-up. There were no significant changes in the wait-list control group. In addition, ten participants (16%) from the intervention group demonstrated a clinically meaningful decrease in depression between baseline and post-intervention, and this was maintained among 7 participants (10%) at 1-month follow-up, compared to only 1 participant (5%) in the control group. Our intervention presents a simple and easy-to-implement tool. Its relevance extends beyond the current pandemic as the skills acquired can be applied in other forms of social crises and during routine life, in order to promote the mental health of older adults who live alone and/or reside in remote areas.

scholarly journals Effectiveness and sustainability of a motor-cognitive stepping exergame training on stepping performance in older adults: a randomized controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus Hauer ◽  
Elena Litz ◽  
Michaela Günther-Lange ◽  
Caroline Ball ◽  
Eling D. de Bruin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Balance Exercises

Abstract Background Training effects reported for stepping exergames on stepping performances in older adults often based on not comprehensively validated outcomes measures, and follow-up data on their sustainability are lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of a motor-cognitive stepping exergame training on the stepping performance in older adults. Methods Fifty-eight older adults (78.3 ± 6.5 years) participated in the randomized controlled trial with a 10-week intervention and 10-week follow-up period. The intervention group (IG: n = 29) took part in a once-weekly exercise program including strength and balance exercises supplemented with an additional stepping exergame training. The control group (CG: n = 29) only performed the strength and balance exercises. Outcome measures included stepping reaction times (SRTs) and games scores for individual stepping exergame levels and for the overall exergame performance, as measured by an assessment strategy previously validated in older adults. Results SRTs and/or games scores for 7 out of 10 levels and the overall exergame performance significantly improved in the IG compared to the CG during the intervention (p ≤ 0.001–0.039, ηp2 = 0.090–0.445). Training gains were sustained for 2 levels and for the overall exergame performance (p = 0.017–0.033, ηp2 = 0.127–0.193). Conclusion The study demonstrates that the additional stepping exergame training effectively and sustainably improves the performance in complex motor-cognitive stepping exergame tasks in older adults, which can be relevant for preventing falls. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of such training on reducing the number of falls. Trial registration ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN14855620, 06/06/2019 (retrospectively registered).

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