Gait performance and quality of life in stroke survivors: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is one of the major causes of neurological deficiencies in the world, and can lead to a wide spectrum of physical deficiencies, including gait performance. These gait abnormalities have a substantial impact on functional activities, lifestyle, and the individual's perceptions about the functionality of daily life and well-being after stroke. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gait performance, identifying determining which gait components were associated with impaired quality of life in stroke survivors. METHODS: Individuals with independent gait after a stroke, with or without the use of walking aids such as crutches or canes were included in the study. The socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded, then some tests were evaluated, with o 6-minute walk test (6MWT), 10-meters walk test (10MWT), Timed Up & Go (TUG), modified Barthel Index (mBI),National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and European Quality of life – 5 dimensions (EQ-5D). A stepwise multivariable logistic regression model assessed predictors of impaired QoL. RESULTS: A total of 124 individual with a mean age of 66 years and median NIHSS of 3 points were included. The mean EQ-5D was 0.44 (SD 0.38) and 91 individuals (73%) had impaired QoL. There was a positive correlation between 6MWT and EQ-5D (r = 0.48, p <0.001). Increasing age, functional capacity, 6MWT, 10MWT, stroke severity and female sex were associated with impaired QoL (p<0.05). In the multivariable analysis, 6MWT (OR 0.94 per 10m increase, p=0.046), functional capacity (OR 0.66, p=0.022) and age (OR 0.54 per 10 year increase, p=0.002) were associated with impaired QoL. CONCLUSION: Distance walked in 6MWT was the strongest gait aspect independently associated with quality of life in community-dwelling individuals with independent gait after a stroke.

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From Soundwaves to BrainWaves: The effects of choral singing on recovery from stroke and aphasia

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp18x696821 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. bjgp18X696821 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

John Marley ◽

Bernadette Matthias ◽

Linda Worrall ◽

Maya Guest ◽

Christopher Allan

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

New England ◽

Outcome Measurement ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Choral Singing ◽

Before And After ◽

Qualitative Work

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death and disability. Recovery is frequently compromised by reduced well-being, mood, socialisation and quality of life. Music and singing are recognised as enhancing well-being and benefit people with chronic illness. Evidence suggested that choir singing may improve the fluency of people with aphasia. Choirs existed for people with brain impairment; no studies had robust design and outcome measurement.AimTo conduct a pilot study in Newcastle, Australia in a collaboration between Hunter New England Health and the University of Newcastle. To explore the effects of choral singing on quality of life, well-being, mood, social participation and communication skills of community-dwelling stroke survivors including people with aphasia.MethodA mixed methods waitlist control design was used. 39 people at least 6 months post-stroke were assessed before and after a 12-week choir rehearsal period. Carers were invited to participate. Subjects were interviewed at the end of the period.ResultsMeasures of communication improved significantly and a trend to improvement in overall quality of life was seen. Depression and disability were significant in their impact on overall quality of life scores. Qualitative work reported increased quality of life, confidence, independence, mood and socialization and improvements in speech and communication were also reported.ConclusionOur pilot showed that a 12-week choir program for stroke survivors and carers is feasible and benefits quality of life, well-being, mood, community participation and communication in people with aphasia.

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Benefits of Equine-Based Therapy for Individuals with Dementia

10.46409/sr.gkds8152 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Lauren Fearn

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Energy Level ◽

Physical Health ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Functional Capacity ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Well Being ◽

Equine Assisted

Individuals living with dementia typically experience progressive, cognitive, and functional decline which limits their ability to communicate and fully perform activities (Pimouguet el al., 2019). Horses have been shown to benefit individuals with dementia by improving well-being, physical health, functional capacity, and social relationships (Fields et. al., 2019). A 6-week OT-based virtual equine-assisted activities program was conducted to determine if participation in equine-assisted activities could improve the quality of life of individuals with dementia. Outcomes of the program resulted in improvements in mood, energy level, engagement, communication, memory, socialization, and overall quality of life.

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An Association of Quality of Life and Ageing Perceptions Among Community Dwelling Older Adults in Uganda

10.21203/rs.3.rs-828994/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Joy Louise -Onoria ◽

Raymond Odokonyero ◽

Bruno Giordani ◽

Dickens Akena ◽

Emmanuel Mwesiga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Persons ◽

Low Cost ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Social Activities ◽

Positive Perception

Abstract Background: Uganda’s population, though, largely characterized by young people, has seen the number of people aged 60 and over grow from 686,000 twenty years ago, to 1,433,596 in 2014. Effective caring for the well-being of this population requires strategic and deliberate planning that involves quality of life (QoL) assessments. QoL assessments among the elderly are important in evaluating the efficacy of strategies, such as health interventions, welfare programs, health care, and well-being of the elderly. However, elderly in Uganda face several challenges, ranging from loneliness, poor housing, lack of social and financial support, and poor health. These may negatively affect older persons’ quality of life and consequently their perceptions and attitudes towards aging. Methods: The study was carried out in 2019 in the communities of Nansana and Busukuma town councils in Wakiso district, Uganda. The participants were 380 people 60 years and older. To establish the association between perceptions of ageing and QoL, this study utilized a locally adapted version of the Older Person’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL) and the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ). The OPQOL assesses three domains of QoL: Health QoL (HQoL); Social economic QoL (SQoL); and Psychosocial QoL (PQoL). The B-APQ assesses perceptions about physical age, participation in social activities, and perceptions about ability to regulate emotions as one ages. Pearson’s Chi-square tests were used to characterize the relationship between the perceptions and quality of life.Results: The majority of the respondents, 61% (95%CI 56.7-64.8), had negative perceptions towards ageing. Eighty six percent had poor HQoL, 90% poor SQoL and 83% poor PQoL. There was a significant association between good HQoL and positive perception about participation in social activities (X2 = 7.3670, P = 0.007) as well as with positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 18.1803, P<0.001). There was a significant association between good SQoL and positive perception about participation in social activities (X2 = 5.3472, P = 0.021), as well with positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 10.5128, P<0.001). A significant association between good PQoL and positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 9.2414, P= 0.002).Conclusion: Positive perceptions of ageing are associated with good QoL. Directly addressing perceptions of ageing could be a low cost and effective strategy to improve the QoL of older persons in SSA

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Community ageing research 75+ study (CARE75+): an experimental ageing and frailty research cohort

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026744 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. e026744 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Anne Heaven ◽

Lesley Brown ◽

John Young ◽

Elizabeth Teale ◽

Rebecca Hawkins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Older People ◽

Science Studies ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Ageing Research ◽

Study Results

IntroductionThe Community Ageing Research 75+ Study (CARE75+) is a longitudinal cohort study collecting an extensive range of health, social and economic data, with a focus on frailty, independence and quality of life in older age. CARE75+ is the first international experimental frailty research cohort designed using Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) methodology, to align applied epidemiological research with clinical trial evaluation of interventions to improve the health and well-being of older people living with frailty.Methods and analysisProspective cohort study using a TwiCs design. One thousand community-dwelling older people (≥75 years) will be recruited from UK general practices. Nursing home residents, those with an estimated life expectancy of 3 months or less and people receiving palliative care will be excluded. Data collection assessments will be face to face in the person’s home at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 48 months, including assessments of frailty, cognition, mood, health-related quality of life, comorbidity, medications, resilience, loneliness, pain and self-efficacy. A modified protocol for follow-up by telephone or web based will be offered at 6 months. Consent will be sought for data linkage and invitations to additional studies, including intervention studies using the TwiCs design. A blood sample biobank will be established for future basic science studies.Ethics and disseminationCARE75+ was approved by the NRES Committee Yorkshire and the Humber—Bradford Leeds 10 October 2014 (14/YH/1120). Formal written consent is sought if an individual is willing to participate and has capacity to provide informed consent. Consultee assent is sought if an individual lacks capacity.Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals and scientific conferences. Key study results will be summarised and disseminated to all study participants via newsletters, local older people’s publications and local engagement events. Results will be reported on a bespoke CARE75+ website.Trial registration numberISRCTN16588124;Results stage

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NOTEWORTHY: THE IMPACT OF A CHOIR FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA ON THE WELL-BEING AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF CAREGIVERS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2759 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S752-S752

Author(s):

Debra J Sheets ◽

Stuart W MacDonald ◽

Andre Smith ◽

Mary Kennedy

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Caregiver Support ◽

Economic Implications ◽

Health Quality ◽

The Impact

Abstract Informal caregivers provide 80% of the care needed to support community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Over time caregivers often face adverse effects on their health, quality of life and well-being; particularly those caring for someone with dementia. This study examines the impact of participation in the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir on caregiver burden, mood and quality of life. A measurement burst approach was used to investigate intraindividual variability on key psychosocial and health indicators. Results indicate that choir participation significantly improves caregiver well-being (e.g. mood, burden) and quality of life. Findings suggest that choirs offer significant caregiver support and respite. The discussion focuses the public policy and on the potential economic implications which suggests a shift is needed in the services available to older adults with dementia and their caregivers.

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RAISING OUR VOICES: THE BENEFITS OF AN INTERGENERATIONAL CHOIR FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2758 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S751-S752

Author(s):

Debra J Sheets ◽

Theresa A Allison

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

High School Students ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

The Body ◽

Social Intervention ◽

Social Connections ◽

People With Dementia

Abstract This interdisciplinary symposium focuses on the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir, a novel social intervention to address issues of stigma and social isolation among older adults with dementia and their caregivers. ViM is an intergenerational choir for community-dwelling older adults with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers. Local high school students participated in the choir and added to the lively social interactions. Two professionally directed ViM choirs were fully implemented in 2018-2019 with a public performance in the Fall and Spring seasons. This symposium brings together multiple methodologies to investigate the effects of choir participation on cognition, social connections, stigma, and quality of life for the dyads. Results in the individual papers demonstrate the positive impact of choir participation on dyads (n=26) for measures that includecognition (MacDonald), well-being and quality of life (Sheets), and social connections (Smith). Taken as a whole, the papers indicate that this social intervention offers an effective non- pharmacological alternative approach for older adults with dementia. Choir participation has important and significant impacts on psycho-social well-being and quality of life. The body of evidence presented points to the importance of intergenerational programs that are dementia-friendly and that support meaningful participation by older adults with dementia in the broader community. Discussion focuses on implications for social policy with attention on the replication and sustainability of the program.

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Quality of life and social support: Perspectives of Saudi Arabian stroke survivors

Science Progress ◽

10.1177/0036850420947603 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 103 (3) ◽

pp. 003685042094760

Author(s):

Abdulrahman M Alshahrani

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Support ◽

Employment Status ◽

Family Income ◽

Community Education ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Critical Knowledge ◽

Multivariate Multiple Regression

Given that stroke is an indispensable health burden in Saudi Arabia and around the world, great importance has been attached on studies of social support and other factors that could improve the quality of life of stroke survivors. Perceptions of quality of life and social support may vary depending on patients’ cultural and societal background. This research assessed the quality of life and social support of community-dwelling Saudis who survived stroke. A quantitative study was performed among 123 Saudi stroke survivors. Questionnaire-guided interviews measuring social support and quality of life were performed, and the multivariate effects of predictor variables on the four domains of quality of life were determined through multivariate multiple regression analysis. Among the dimensions of social support, support from family members had the highest average, whereas support from friends had the lowest. The environmental domain of quality of life was perceived to be the best aspect, whereas physical health was perceived to be the poorest. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, gender, employment status, monthly family income, type of community, education, type of stroke, side of stroke and support from significant others had multivariate influences on the domains of quality of life. Several sociodemographic and disease-related variables and social support influence patients’ quality of life. The study adds critical knowledge as to how Arab stroke survivors perceive their quality of life and social support. Ensuring that stroke survivors receive adequate social support is imperative because it can improve their quality of life.

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Psychological well-being of older Chinese immigrants living in Australia: a comparison with older Caucasians

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610216001010 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 28 (10) ◽

pp. 1671-1679 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Xiaoping Lin ◽

Christina Bryant ◽

Jennifer Boldero ◽

Briony Dow

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Chinese Immigrants ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Older Chinese ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACTBackground:Few current studies explore psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants in Australia. The study addressed this gap and provided preliminary data on psychological well-being among this group. Four indicators, namely depression, anxiety, loneliness, and quality of life, were used to present a comprehensive picture of psychological well-being.Methods:Participants were two groups of community-dwelling older people, specifically 59 Chinese immigrants and 60 Australian-born people (median age=77 and 73, respectively). Data were collected through standardized interviews. The Geriatric Depression Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the WHO Quality of Life questionnaire were used to measure depression, anxiety, loneliness, and quality of life, respectively.Results:Chinese participants’ median quality of life score was higher than the scale mid-point, indicating relatively high levels of quality of life. However, 10% exhibited symptoms of depression, 6% had symptoms of anxiety, and 49% felt lonely. Compared to Australian participants, Chinese participants reported poorer quality of life and higher levels of loneliness. Importantly, the difference in quality of life remained when the impact of socio-demographic factors was controlled for.Conclusions:This study was the first to use multiple indicators to explore psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants in Australia. Its results suggest that their psychological well-being might be worse than that of Australian-born people when using loneliness and quality of life as indicators. In particular, loneliness is a common psychological problem among this group, and there is a need for public awareness of this problem.

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Sleep, Lifestyle, and Socioeconomic Markers of Mental Aging and Well-Being: Lessons From England, China, and Japan

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.459 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 120-120

Author(s):

Andrew Steptoe

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Rural China ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Well Being ◽

Substantial Impact ◽

Chinese Older Adults ◽

China And Japan ◽

Cross Country

Abstract Healthy ageing has become a popular topic worldwide. We investigated the role of sleep, leisure activities, and socioeconomic inequalities in relation to cognitive decline, wellbeing, and quality of life in data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement (JSTAR), national representative samples of England, China and Japan, respectively. We found an inverted U-shaped association between sleep quality and memory in English adults and a positive dose-response association in Chinese older adults (Brocklebank). In another examination, we found that younger English individuals playing games had lower quality-of-life than older participants who game, and this association is more pronounced for widowed individuals than others (Almeida-Meza). Cognitive impairment and dementia represent significant challenges worldwide. In a cross-country investigation, we found that the prevalence of MCI was twice as great in England compared with Japan, but that the two nations differ slightly across socioeconomic correlates (Gireesh). In another cross-country comparison between England and China, we found that the rate of memory change appeared socioeconomically patterned, primarily by education and area-based characteristics (urban vs. rural), with a more substantial impact on rural China inequalities compared to England (Cadar). Our results indicate more robust educational and geographical disparities in China and increased occupational impact among English and Japanese participants. Our findings highlight the imperative need for policy interventions and tailored strategies to protect those particularly disadvantaged in England and China.

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Association of Neighborhood Social Capital With Quality of Life Among Older People in Singapore

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264319857990 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (7-8) ◽

pp. 841-850 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anna P. Lane ◽

Chek Hooi Wong ◽

Špela Močnik ◽

Siqi Song ◽

Belinda Yuen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Social Cohesion ◽

Well Being ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Neighborhood Social Capital ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: To examine how neighborhood-based cognitive and structural social capital are associated with individual quality of life among a sample of community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. Method: Using survey data from 981 older adults (aged 55 years and above) in nine residential neighborhoods, multilevel models simultaneously estimated the effects of independent variables at the individual and neighborhood levels on quality of life (CASP-12). Results: Social cohesion (β = 1.39, p < .01) and associational membership (β = 19.16, p < .01) were associated with higher quality of life in models adjusted for neighborhood facilities and individual sociodemographics, social networks, functional limitations, global cognitive status, and medical conditions. Discussion: The results suggest that place-based or neighborhood social capital may be important for older person’s well-being. It identifies the contribution of structural (associational membership) and cognitive (social cohesion) social capital to the well-being of community-dwelling older adults in Singapore.

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