scholarly journals Effects of a health promotion and fall prevention program in elderly individuals participating in interaction groups

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lays Cavallero Pagliosa ◽  
Alexandra Renosto
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Functional Abilities ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Group Activities ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Falls In Elderly

Introduction Falls in elderly people are an increasing public health problem resulting in high costs to health services. Thus, it is essential to invest in the development of actions and programs focused on decreasing such risks. Objective To verify the effects of a program of health promotion and prevention of falls in relation to balance and functional abilities in elderly people participating in interaction groups in Caxias do Sul City, RS State. Materials and methods For this purpose, 14 elderly people were selected for assessment and reassessment through the following instruments: the Barthel Index, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and a questionnaire to characterize the sample. Over the course of 2 months, group activities were conducted in a multi-sensory and proprioceptive circuit with a frequency of 2 times per week, totaling 14 meetings. Results The average age of participants was about 72 years old, mostly women (78.6%); 64.3% of them had experienced falls, and 92.9% had already practiced physical activities. After the intervention, there was an average increase of 9.14 points in the BBS (p = 0.000) and an average reduction of 4.4 seconds in gait speed on the TUG test (p = 0.000). Conclusion The application of the proposed program resulted in increasing balance and gait performance of the elderly, reducing the risk of falls.

scholarly journals Prevalence of falls among elderly participants of a health promotion group and comparison of balance tests to detect risk of falls

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-525
Author(s):  
Vanessa Lobo Carvalho ◽  
Analita Alves Clementino ◽  
Edel Quinn Ferreira Ferro de Magalhães ◽  
Edlanne Morais Belo da Silva ◽  
Jussara Almeida de Oliveira Baggio
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Of Falls

Abstract Introduction: Falls of elderly people are common, representing a serious public health problem. The use of appropriate instruments in the assessment of elderly patients supports the early detection of individuals under risk of falls and its prevention. Objective: To verify the incidence of falls in a group of elderly patients and detect which balance test is the most appropriate for the studied sample. Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional study with an observational approach. A total of 30 elderly patients aged over 60 years old participating in a health promotion group were included in the sample. The participants were initially interviewed and subsequently assessed by means of the following instruments: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). Results: The mean age of the participants was 69.30 ± 7.47 years; 90% were women and 46.7% of the individuals reported falls. The participants obtained a mean value of 10.2 ± 2.5 seconds in the TUG, 51.4 ± 2.6 in the BBS, and 18.6 ± 4.2 in the DGI. The sensitivity of the scales was 0.71 in the TUG, 0.50 in the DGI, and 0.42 in the BBS; specificity was 0.44 in the TUG, 0.32 in the DGI and 0.63 in the BBS. Conclusion: A high prevalence of falls was observed in the sample. In addition, the TUG was the most sensitive test to assess balance in the assessed sample. However, its use alone requires caution in this sample.

scholarly journals Timed Up And Go Risk Predictor Of Falls In Elderly People Residing In The Community?

10.3823/2416 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayara Muniz Peixoto Rodrigues ◽  
Renata Maia De Medeiros Falcão ◽  
Rafaella Felix Serafim Veras ◽  
Keylla Talita Fernandes Barbosa ◽  
Fabiana Maria Rodrigues Lopes de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Postural Balance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Risk Predictor ◽  
Regular Practice ◽  
Falls In Elderly

Objective: evaluate the risk of falls of elderly people residing in a community in northeastern Brazil using the “Timed up and go”. Method: descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, performed with elderly people residing in a community. The collected data related to the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of episodes of falls in the last two years, regular practice of physical exercise and complaint of pain at the time of the interview; and, at last, the application of the “Timed Up and Go” test. Result: Most of the elderly were classified as free and independent and independent. There is a direct relationship between advanced age and increased time to perform the test. Conclusion: the "Timed Up and Go" test was not effective in predicting risk of falls alone and should associate with other indicators. Descriptors: Elderly people; Accidents by fall; Walking; Postural balance.

scholarly journals Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on the elderly balance: a semi-experimental study

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 373-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Rafael Konig ◽  
Eveline Galarza ◽  
Natália Batista Albuquerque Goulart ◽  
Fábio Juner Lanferdini ◽  
Carlos Leandro Tiggeman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Tai Chi Chuan ◽  
Martial Art ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Romberg Test

Aging impairs the functional capacity, possibly compromising the balance over the years. However, Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art that can provide balance improvements in elderly people. This study aimed to evaluate balance in elderly after three and six months of Tai Chi Chuan practicing. Participants were 27 individuals (62±4.4 years) who underwent Tai Chi Chuan training (one hour each) twice a week, for six months. Balance was assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Romberg test, all evaluated before and after three and six months of practicing. MANOVA for repeated measures was used to compare times in TUG and BBS tests. The Cochrane Q test was used to compare moments and frequencies in the Romberg test (α=0.05). Results showed significant improvement in TUG performance (p≤0.01), BBS score (p≤0.01) and in the Romberg test (p≤0.01) after three and six months, compared with pre-training. These results suggest that Tai Chi Chuan practice can improve the balance in elderly people.

scholarly journals Effect of physical exercise program on the balance and risk of falls of institutionalized elderly persons: a randomized clinical trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Tomicki ◽  
Sheila Cristina Cecagno Zanini ◽  
Luana Cecchin ◽  
Tania Rosane Bertoldo Benedetti ◽  
Marilene Rodrigues Portella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Institutionalized Elderly ◽  
Body Balance ◽  
Risk Of Falls

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an exercise program on the postural balance and risk of falls of institutionalized elderly persons. A randomized controlled trial was performed. The study was conducted in two long-stay philanthropic care facilities for the elderly in a city in the north of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Participants were divided into control (G1) and intervention groups (G2). G1 did not receive any type of intervention whereas G2 participated in an exercise program three times a week for twelve weeks. The groups were evaluated by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). After the intervention, G2 achieved better scores in both BBS and in the TUGT, indicating a significant improvement in body balance and a reduction in the risk of falls compared to G1. The Spearman ordinal correlation revealed that there was a statistically significant association between BBS and TUGT (p<0.001). G1 did not present positive results compared to G2 both at baseline and in post intervention. It can be inferred that the proposed exercise program was effective in improving body balance and the performance of functional tasks, contributing to an improvement in the risk of falls as a result. REBEC: RBR-5XNYJS.

scholarly journals Development of mobile application to identify fall risk in the elderly

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 354-360
Author(s):  
Maria Consuelo D´Almeida Nuñez Filha ◽  
Elen Beatriz Carneiro Pinto ◽  
Handerson Jorge Dourado Leite
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Mobility Assessment ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Dynamic Gait Index

INTRODUCTION: A fall can occur at any stage of one's life; however, it is more common in the elderly. The effects of falls are serious, in social and economic terms, in the country and worldwide. Today, the public health system extensively encourages scientific studies that help prevent these accidents effectively, reducing the demand for health services and its associated costs. OBJECTIVE: To develop an electronic mobile web tool (app) that helps health professionals to assess risk factors related to falls among elderly people, utilising validated instruments designed for this age group that are widely used in the literature and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. METHOD: This is a project regarding the development of a prototype for use on the Android platform, programmed in JAVA. RESULTS: After analysing the criteria set out in the study, the selected tools for software development were the Dynamic Gait Index-DGI, the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the Tinetti Balance test (Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment-POMA). The tests conducted after the software development phase showed the predetermined requirements were met 100%. CONCLUSION: The app that was developed during the process proved to be versatile, fast, includes the main instruments that are validated in the Brazilian literature, identifies the risk of falls in the elderly, is easy to use, which all are positive incentives for health professionals to use the device.

scholarly journals Sarcopenia: prevalence and associated factors among elderly from a Brazilian capital

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreia Pelegrini ◽  
Giovana Zaperllon Mazo ◽  
André de Araújo Pinto ◽  
Tânia Rosane Bertoldo Benedetti ◽  
Diego Augusto Santos Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Weight ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Abstract Introduction: Sarcopenia has been currently considered a public health problem, affecting a large portion of the elderly and making them more susceptible to the risk of falls. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in the elderly from a Brazilian capital. Methods: This is an epidemiological study with cross-sectional design involving data of 439 elderly people from Florianópolis city, Santa Catarina state. The factors potentially associated with sarcopenia (sex, age, weight status) were tested using binary logistic regression, estimating the Odds Ratio and the respective confidence intervals. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 33.3% (95% CI: 28.9, 36.9). Older women (75 years or more) showed less muscle mass in relation to other age groups (p < 0.05). Elderly men, individuals that are 75 years or more, and those with low weight were the subgroups at higher risk for sarcopenia. Obese individuals were less likely to have the outcome. Conclusion: More than one-third of elderly people were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Men, individuals who are older, and those with low weight had a higher risk of having sarcopenia.

Association Between Awareness of Informal Caregivers and Falls in Elderly Patients with Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 658-666
Author(s):  
Tossapon Chamnankit ◽  
Parichat Ong-artborirak ◽  
Jukkrit Wangrath
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
P Value ◽  
Uncontrolled Diabetes ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Falls In Elderly

Background: Elderly people with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) are at risk of falls, which can lead to injury and disability. Not much is known of informal caregivers’ awareness of falls in elderly patients with DM. Objective: This study aims to identify an association between caregiver’s awareness and falls in elderly patients with DM. Methods: A total of 136 pairs of DM patients and their respective family caregivers were recruited from a clinical service center at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. The questionnaire regarding the caregiver’s awareness of the risk of falls in elderly patients was given via a face-to-face interview. Each elderly patient was asked about their history of falls in the prior year, and the risk of falls was assessed by Time Up & Go (TUG) test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine association. Results: The mean age of the DM patients was 65.7 years. Sixty-two patients (45.6%) had fallen at least once in the prior year. The mean TUG test result was 12.67±1.83 second. Most caregivers demonstrated a high level of awareness regarding the risk of falls in elderly patients. The results of the multivariable analysis showed that three variables – balance problems, risk of falls assessed by TUG test, and scores of caregiver’s awareness of risk of falls – were significantly related to falls in the previous year among elderly patients with DM (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: The caregivers’ awareness of fall risk may influence fall occurrence among older adults with DM. An intervention program to improve awareness among informal caregivers should be considered for fall prevention in elderly people.

scholarly journals Effect of Cognitive Function on Balance and Posture Control after Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Hui-xian Yu ◽  
Zhao-xia Wang ◽  
Chang-bin Liu ◽  
Pei Dai ◽  
Yue Lan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Posture Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Balance Function ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Group 16 ◽  
Hemiplegic Gait

Hemiplegic gait is the most common sequela of stroke. Patients with hemiplegic gait are at a risk of falling because of poor balance. The theory of cognitive-motor networks paved the way for a new field of research. However, the mechanism of the relationship of cognition with gait or posture control networks is unclear because of the dynamic characteristics of walking and changing postures. To explore differences in the balance function and fall risk between patients with and without cognitive impairment after stroke, we utilized the Berg balance scale, Timed “Up and Go” test, and 10 m walking test. Patients were divided into two groups: the observation group (16 patients, female 6 and male 10), comprising patients with cognitive impairment after stroke, and the control group (16 patients, female 7 and male 9), comprising patients without cognitive impairment after stroke. We found that patients with cognitive impairment had worse balance function and a higher risk of falls. They needed a longer time to turn around or sit down. Our findings indicated that posture control in turning around and sitting down required more cognitive resources in daily life.

scholarly journals A novel telerehabilitation with educational program for caregivers using telelecture is a feasible procedure for fall prevention in elderly people – A pilot study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentaro Moriichi ◽  
Mikihiro Fujiya ◽  
Takanori Ro ◽  
Tetsuo Ota ◽  
Hitomi Nishimiya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Telemedicine System ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Clinical Trials Registry

Abstract Background: The importance of fall prevention rehabilitations has been well recognized. Recently, telerehabilitation was developed, however, there have been no reports on the use of telerehabilitation with direct support from specialists for fall prevention among the elderly. We herein reported telerehabilitation by carers educated by our novel educational program.Methods: Nine elderly people in two nursing homes were enrolled using our original criteria. Carers are educated with our educational program using telelecture system. Telerehabilitation was performed by carers following the instruction from rehabilitation specialists in Asahikawa Medical University using the telemedicine system every 2-4 weeks for three months. Carers were assessed with our original questionnaire before and after the telelecture. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go test (TUG test), Hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were assessed before and after telerehabilitation.Results: The average number of times to perform telerehabilitation in all institutes was 4.7. Levels of understanding of carers were significantly increased after the telelecture. No adverse event occurred during the study period. Median BBSs before and three months after telerehabilitation were 43 and 49, respectively. Those of TUG test, right and left HHD and MMSE were 17.89 and 18.53, 7.95 and 11.55, 9.85 and 13.20, and 16 and 19, respectively. All results were improved after telerehabilitation.Conclusions: Our telerehabilitation program exhibited significant effects in elderly people as well as levels of understanding rehabilitation of caregivers in the facilities for the elderly people safely.Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry（UMIN-CTR）UMIN000041439, August 17th, 2020

Does the Management of Visual and Audible Motion Information during an Immersive Virtual Reality Timed Up and Go Test Impact Locomotor Performance in the Elderly?

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Frédéric Muhla ◽  
Karine Duclos ◽  
Fabien Clanché ◽  
Philippe Meyer ◽  
Séverine Maïaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Motor Control ◽  
Optical Flow ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Friedman's Test ◽  
Risk Of Falls

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Falling among the elderly is a major public health issue, especially with the advancing age of the baby boomers. The fall risk assessment tests for many lack a context that would bring them closer to everyday life. Thus, immersive virtual reality, which makes it possible to simulate everyday situations, could make it possible to strengthen the quality of the assessment of the risk of falls. However, it is necessary to understand how the use of a virtual reality device influences the motor control of elderly participants. If vestibular physiotherapists use VR to virtualize their tools, what impact would a visual simulation of movement have on motor control in a locomotor task, if this simulation were plausible? <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Sixty-two elders (70.8 ± 6.7 years old) completed a Timed Up and Go task under 3 conditions: real, virtual reality, and virtual reality with visual and sound movement information. The virtual reality task takes place in a train either stationary at a station or in uniform linear motion. The time and number of steps were recorded using video, and comparisons between conditions were made using Friedman’s test. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The results show a significant increase in the time and number of steps in “virtual reality” condition compared to the “real” condition. They do not show significant differences between the 2 virtual conditions. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The use of a running virtual train to provide plausible movement is particularly distinguished from vestibular physiotherapy applications with first a fixed visual support partially obscuring the optical flow. This visual aid coupled with the attention dedicated to the task inhibits the effect of the moving environment on locomotion. However, the visual optical flow will potentially have an effect in people with fear of falling. Virtual reality shows great potential for the simulation of realistic environments for the assessment of the risk of falls and opens up avenues for the development of tests.

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