scholarly journals Prevalence of Fear of Falling and Its Association With Physical Function and Fall History Among Senior Citizens Living in Rural Areas of China

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingqing Su ◽  
Yuan Gao ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Jingping Tang ◽  
Mi Song ◽  
...  

Background: Fear of falling (FOF) is as significant as a fall, leading to limited physical activity and poor quality of life among senior citizens. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of FOF and its association with physical function and fall history among the senior citizens (≥75 years old) living in rural areas of China.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in eastern China from June to October 2019. All elderly participants were recruited during their attendance for the free health examinations in villages and towns organized by the local healthcare authorities. Data on sociodemographics, fall history, FOF conditions, self-reported comorbidity and regular medications were collected by face-to-face interview, and the physical function status was evaluated through a field test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare the differences in physical function and fall history of senior citizens with/without FOF.Results: A total of 753 senior citizens (mean age = 79.04) participated in this study. Of these, 63.5% were aged 75–80. FOF was reported in 22.8% of the participants, while 18.5% had a fall in the past year. Among the senior citizens with and without a fall history, the prevalences of FOF were 38.8 and 19.2%, respectively. On multivariate analyses, FOF was independently associated with the Time Up and Go Test (TUG) duration (OR = 1.080; 95% CI: 1.034–1.128), 4-Stage Balance Test score (OR = 0.746; 95% CI: 0.597–0.931), fall history (OR = 2.633; 95% CI: 1.742–3.980), cerebral apoplexy (OR = 2.478; 95% CI: 1.276–4.813) and comorbidities (≥2) (OR = 1.637; 95% CI: 1.066–2.514), while the correlation between FOF and the 30-s chair stand test was only statistically significant in univariate analysis (Z = −3.528, p < 0.001).Conclusion: High prevalence of FOF is observed among the senior citizens living in rural areas of China. FOF is strongly correlated with physical function performance and fall history. Therefore, the implementation of targeted FOF prevention measures is key to improve the physical activity of the senior citizens, which would ultimately lead to fall prevention and improved quality of life.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205435812098705
Author(s):  
Kathryn Wytsma-Fisher ◽  
Stefan Mustata ◽  
Theresa Cowan ◽  
Manuel Ester ◽  
S. Nicole Culos-Reed

Background: Low physical activity levels and poor physical functioning are strongly associated with poor clinical outcomes and mortality in adult kidney failure patients, regardless of treatment modality. Compared with the general population, individuals with chronic kidney disease are physically inactive, have reduced physical abilities and difficulties performing routine daily tasks, lower health-related quality of life, and higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, frail kidney failure patients have higher hospitalization and mortality rates as compared with other kidney failure patients. Evidence suggests that assessment and recommendations for physical activity should be part of standard care for kidney failure patients. Structured exercise can improve physical function and quality of life in frail older adults and may be used specifically for management of frailty in kidney failure. However, research is needed to determine best practices for implementation of physical function measurements and physical activity promotion in standard kidney failure care. Objective: The proposed Move More study will assess the feasibility of a physical activity intervention offered to the kidney failure inpatients in Calgary, Alberta. Specifically, this study is designed to examine the effects of an early physical activity/mobility intervention led by a kinesiologist, and supported by the clinical care team including physiotherapists (PT) and nurse clinicians. Methods: The Move More study is a single-arm pilot intervention examining feasibility and optimal improvement in real-world conditions. Kidney failure inpatients at the Foothills Medical Centre will be recruited to participate. Patients will receive an individualized in-hospital physical activity/mobility intervention. Frailty and physical function will be assessed at baseline and postintervention prior to hospital discharge. The goal is to recruit 24 to 36 patients. Conclusions: Evidence needed to support the inclusion of mobility and physical activity as part of standard care will be gathered, with knowledge gained used to help direct future physical activity programming for kidney failure inpatients.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roni M. Jacobsen ◽  
Salil Ginde ◽  
Kathleen Mussatto ◽  
Jennifer Neubauer ◽  
Michael Earing ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Wytsma-Fisher ◽  
Stefan Mustata ◽  
Theresa Cowan ◽  
Manuel Ester ◽  
S. Nicole Culos-Reed

Background: Low physical activity levels and poor physical functioning are strongly associated with poor clinical outcomes and mortality in adult End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) patients, regardless of treatment modality. Compared to the general population, individuals with chronic kidney disease are physically inactive, have reduced physical abilities and difficulties performing routine daily tasks, lower health-related quality of life, higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, frail ESKD patients have higher hospitalization and mortality rates than other ESKD patients. Evidence suggests that assessment and recommendations for physical activity should be part of standard care for ESKD patients. Structured exercise can improve physical function and quality of life in frail older adults and may be used specifically for management of frailty in ESKD. However, research is needed to determine best practices for implementation of physical function measurements and physical activity promotion in standard ESKD care. Objective: The proposed Move More study will assess the feasibility of a physical activity intervention offered to the ESKD inpatients in Calgary, Alberta. Specifically, this study is designed to examine the effects of an early physical activity/mobility intervention led by a kinesiologist (KT), and supported by the clinical care team including physiotherapists (PT) and nurse clinicians.Methods: The Move More study is a single-arm pilot intervention examining feasibility and preliminary efficacy. ESKD inpatients at the Foothills Medical Centre will be recruited to participate. Patients will receive an individualized in-hospital physical activity/mobility intervention. Frailty and physical function will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention prior to hospital discharge. Conclusions: Evidence needed to support the inclusion of mobility and physical activity as part of standard care will be gathered, with knowledge gained used to help direct future physical activity programming for ESKD inpatients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeyun Feng ◽  
Jane Murray Cramm ◽  
Anna Petra Nieboer

Abstract Background: Health behaviours (physical activity, maintenance of a healthy diet and not smoking) are known to be beneficial to the health and well-being of chronically ill people. With China's ageing population and increased prevalence of people with chronic diseases, the improvement of unhealthy behaviours in this population has become crucial. Although recent studies have highlighted the importance of social participation for health and quality of life (QoL) among older people, no study to date has included social participation along with more traditional health behaviours. Therefore, this study aimed to identify associations of multiple health behaviours (social participation, physical activity, maintenance of a healthy diet and not smoking) with health and QoL outcomes (including cognitive and physical function) among chronically ill older adults in China.Methods: For this nationally representative cross-sectional study, wave 1 data from the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (China) were examined. In total, 6,629 community-dwelling older adults (mean age, 64.9 years) with at least one chronic disease were included. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to evaluate associations of health behaviours with health and QoL outcomes while controlling for background characteristics.Results: Greater social participation was associated with better QoL [β = 0.127, standard error (SE) = 0.002, p < 0.001], cognitive function (β = 0.154, SE = 0.033, p < 0.001) and physical function (β = –0.102, SE = 0.008, p < 0.001). Physical activity was associated with better QoL (β = 0.091, SE = 0.015, p < 0.001) and physical function (β = –0.155, SE = 0.062, p < 0.001). Sufficient fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with better QoL (β = 0.087, SE = 0.015, p < 0.001).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that social participation is an important health behaviour for quality of life and cognitive function among chronically ill older people in China. Health promotion programmes should expand their focus to include social participation as a health behaviour, in addition to physical activity, maintenance of a healthy diet and not smoking.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 4847-4856
Author(s):  
Ji Sung Yoo ◽  
Hee Chul Yang ◽  
Jong Mog Lee ◽  
Moon Soo Kim ◽  
Eun-Cheol Park ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Jessica Watson ◽  
Nathan O’Keeffe ◽  
Sarah L. West

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other dementias are prevalent neurodegenerative diseases characterized by decreased cognition, physical function, and quality of life. Currently, millions of people are living with AD and other dementias. With no cure, research has examined the use of non-pharmacological treatment options including exercise. Many high-quality studies demonstrate that physical activity slows the progression of AD’s many outcomes, and is beneficial to overall quality of life in those living with AD. However, creating exercise interventions at the community level that individuals will adhere to is often a challenge. The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada developed a unique program that combines physical activity with cognitive stimulation in a social atmosphere: The Minds in Motion® program. Minds in Motion® addresses many of the barriers often linked to poor physical activity participation in chronic diseases (such as inclusion of the care partner), to ensure the best program uptake. The Minds in Motion® program has anecdotally been successful in helping to increase physical function and social skills in those living with dementia. However, it is important to connect community-driven programs with the academic research community, to create an opportunity for high quality evaluation metrics that can be disseminated at multiple levels: to research audiences, clinical audiences, and to those in the community. With ongoing collaborations between research and community programs, there is a greater opportunity to understand the positive impact of a program, which ultimately increases the chance of funding for the program. In this editorial, we highlight that community-integrated research is an important priority for future collaborations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biagio Zampogna ◽  
Rocco Papalia ◽  
Giuseppe Francesco Papalia ◽  
Stefano Campi ◽  
Sebastiano Vasta ◽  
...  

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the role of physical activity as a conservative treatment for older people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. The effect on pain, physical function, stiffness, quality of life, and dynamic balance of Aquatic Exercise, Land-based Exercise, and Sports were compared in a specific population composed of osteoarthritic patients aged 65 or over. A systematic search using Pubmed-Medline, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library was carried out to select randomized clinical trials, observational studies, or case series that evaluated outcome measures after physical activity. Twenty randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two case series were included in this review. Four trials were at low risk of bias (A), 12 at unclear risk of bias (B), and four at high risk of bias (C). Compared to controls, Aquatic Exercise, Land-based Exercise, Tai Chi, and Yoga showed a small to high effect for improving pain, physical function, quality of life, and stiffness. Active exercise and sport are effective to improve pain and physical function in elderly people with osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, further studies are required to validate the use of land-based exercise, aquatic exercise, or sport to treat the symptoms of older adults that suffer from knee and hip osteoarthritis.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 330-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cezar Grontowski Ribeiro ◽  
Fátima Ferretti ◽  
Clodoaldo Antônio de Sá

Abstract Objective: To analyze quality of life (QOL) according to level of physical activity among elderly persons living in rural (RA) and urban (UA) areas. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study, analyzing 358 elderly residents of RA and 139 of UA, in the municipal region of Palmas, Paraná, Brazil was performed. Quality of life, level of physical activity and economic condition were evaluated. For the analysis of the continuous variables, the student’s t-test or the Mann-Whitney test were used, based on the normality or otherwise of the data. Pearson's chi-squared or Fischer’s exact test were used to analyze the categorical variables. Results: The general perception of QOL reported in RA was better than in UA (p<0.05). The analysis of the level of physical activity according to place of residence showed that the elderly are more physically active in RA (p<0.05), whereas insufficiently active or sedentary subjects prevail in UA. The variables age and gender were not associated with QOL (p>0.05), irrespective of place of residence, and active elderly persons had better QOL scores than insufficiently active or sedentary individuals, again irrespective of place of residence (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that QOL is positively influenced by both maintaining satisfactory levels of physical activity and by residing in RA. It is important to establish public policies aimed at ensuring a more active and independent old age, thus generating greater health and quality of life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Grede ◽  
Anja Rieckert ◽  
Julia Muth ◽  
Joana Steinbuck ◽  
Sabine Weissbach ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Currently 21% of the German population is older than 65 years. Above this age, the risk of suffering from chronic disease and mental disorders increases rapidly. Therefore, physical inactivity is one of the most important public health concerns among older people. To address this issue, we have conceptualised and evaluated a simple and low-threshold intervention, which requires only minimal demand on the participants, targeting older people with inadequate activity levels. The aim of the POWER Study is to investigate whether volunteer-supported outdoor-walking improves physical function and quality of life in older people. Methods/design In a randomised, controlled interventional superiority-trial, individuals older than 65 years of age living in the community or nursing homes will be randomised into two groups. The study will be conducted in two study centres with assessments at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The intervention group will participate in a supported physical activity intervention for 6 months. An assigned volunteer will visit them three times a week for an outdoor walk between 30 and 50 min, or equivalent indoor activity. Persons in the control group will be invited to two lectures covering topics related to health. Primary endpoint is the physical function measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline, after 6 and 12 months. Secondary and safety endpoints will be quality of life (EQ. 5D), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale), physical activity (activity diary), cognitive executive function (clock drawing test), falls requiring medical attention, hospitalisation and death. Primary analysis will be carried out by intention to treat. Discussion We expect the intervention to improve the overall health status of the participants in a wide range of health-related outcomes. If effectiveness can be shown, the intervention will close an important gap in current services for older people. We will disseminate our experiences and results in the form of informational documents (training manual) to allow municipalities and health care organisations to implement a similar intervention. Trial registration The trial was registered on 31 Aug 2018; German Clinical Trials Register (www.germanctr.de), Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien: DRKS00015188.


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