Effects of Spaceflight, Aging, and Bedrest on Falls

2021 ◽  
pp. 91-106
Author(s):  
Nandu Goswami
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Orthostatic Intolerance ◽  
Geriatric Care ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hospitalization Costs ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Effects Of Aging

With the increasing proportion of older persons globally, healthcare issues are becoming more complex. Older persons often spend substantial time confined to bed, which leads to physiological deconditioning and increased risk of falls. Fall-related injuries lead to higher hospitalization costs and worsening of the quality of life of older persons. Thus, monitoring of falls and reducing the risk of falls is an increasingly important element of geriatric care. Examined in this chapter will be aspects related to falls induced by immobilization (bedrest confinement). Interestingly, spaceflight-induced physiological deconditioning predisposes astronauts to higher risk of orthostatic intolerance and, consequently, falls. Since bedrest confinement is an established model for studying the deconditioning effects of spaceflight, knowledge drawn from bedrest studies can provide insights into the underlying mechanisms leading to falls in astronauts and in bed confined patients and in particular in bed-confined older persons who are typically dealing with the deconditioning effects of aging.

scholarly journals Associations between the measures of physical function, risk of falls and the quality of life in haemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karsten Vanden Wyngaert ◽  
Amaryllis H. Van Craenenbroeck ◽  
Sunny Eloot ◽  
Patrick Calders ◽  
Bert Celie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Exercise Intolerance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Walking Test ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Quadriceps Force

Abstract Background Impaired physical function due to muscle weakness and exercise intolerance reduces the ability to perform activities of daily living in patients with end-stage kidney disease, and by consequence, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Furthermore, the risk of falls is an aggregate of physical function and, therefore, could be associated with HRQoL as well. The present study examined the associations between objective and subjective measures of physical function, risk of falls and HRQoL in haemodialysis patients. Methods This cross-sectional multicentre study included patients on maintenance haemodialysis. Physical function (quadriceps force, handgrip force, Sit-to-Stand, and six-minute walking test), the risk of falls (Tinetti, FICSIT-4, and dialysis fall index) and HRQoL (PROMIS-29 and EQ-5D-3 L) were measured and analysed descriptively, by general linear models and logistic regression. Results Of the 113 haemodialysis patients (mean age 67.5 ± 16.1, 57.5% male) enrolled, a majority had impaired quadriceps force (86.7%) and six-minute walking test (92%), and an increased risk of falls (73.5%). Whereas muscle strength and exercise capacity were associated with global HRQoL (R2 = 0.32) and the risk of falls, the risk of falls itself was related to psycho-social domains (R2 = 0.11) such as depression and social participation, rather than to the physical domains of HRQoL. Objective measures of physical function were not associated with subjective fatigue, nor with subjective appreciation of health status. Conclusions More than muscle strength, lack of coordination and balance as witnessed by the risk of falls contribute to social isolation and HRQoL of haemodialysis patients. Mental fatigue was less common than expected, whereas, subjective and objective physical function were decreased.

scholarly journals Caloric Restriction May Help Delay the Onset of Frailty and Support Frailty Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pan Liu ◽  
Yun Li ◽  
Lina Ma
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Caloric Restriction ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Frailty is an age-related clinical syndrome that may increase the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and death in older adults. Delaying the progression of frailty helps improve the quality of life in older adults. Caloric restriction (CR) may extend lifespan and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. However, few studies have explored the relationship between CR and frailty. In this review, we focused on the impact of CR on frailty and aimed to identify potential associated mechanisms. Although CR may help prevent frailty, further studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms and specific CR regimens suitable for use in humans.

Increase Your Ability to Interact with People and Ideas

2021 ◽  
pp. 101-138
Author(s):  
Charles Alessi ◽  
Larry W. Chambers ◽  
Muir Gray
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Intellectual Activity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
The Brain

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to create new connections throughout the whole of an individual’s life course. Any intellectual activity is better than inactivity and the more challenging the intellectual activity the better. It is important to give priority to intellectual activity that involves engagement with other people. The benefits of being involved with other people and avoiding isolation is that it keeps the brain healthy and, for many people, prevents depression and feelings of loneliness. New findings about neurologic mechanisms from brain imaging studies help explain how uncorrected deficits in vision and hearing can lead to cognitive decline. By sustaining one’s hearing and improving vision it is possible to avoid or at least delay the consequences of hearing and vision loss that include communication difficulties, social isolation, depression, an increased risk of falls, decline in physical functioning, and decreased quality of life.

Analysis of quality of life in elderly practitioners of physical activity and relationship with risk of falls.

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deise Aparecida de Almeida Pires-Oliveira ◽  
André Wilson Oliveira Gil ◽  
Laís Campos De Oliveira ◽  
Felipe Micheletti Bento ◽  
Camila Silva Tomioto Mendes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Risk Of Falls

Introduction: Old age brings several factors that alter the physiological system, which results in loss of functionality in the elderly. Falls are a leading cause of death in this population or activity restrictions, social isolation, decline in health and increased risk of institutionalization. The quality of life in old age is a major challenge, it is necessary for improvement in all aspects of daily. Analyze physical exercise on quality of life of older physically active drives to see how exercise influences the improvement of the basic aspects to a healthier life, referring to physical and mental aspects of the elderly, prevention of the consequences arising from the process natural aging, such as falls. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze quality of life in elderly practitioners of physical activity and relationship with risk of falls. Method: The sample was 84 seniors, recruited from the community of Londrina PR, physical activity practitioners, aged over 60 years who roam with or without assistive device, of both sexes . The evaluation was through structured questionnaires that focused on socioeconomic - demographic questionnaire falls which was used the Timed Up and Go (TUGT), analysis of quality of life (SF-36) and analysis of the risk of falls. Results: In relationship the anthropometrics characteristics of elderly subjects analyzed, the same presentation mean age 68 years, weight 63.5 kg, height 1.52, and body mass index 27.10. Was regarding correlation between TUGT and falls in the last year (P=0,048) e correlation between TUGT and Physicals Components of SF-36 (P=0,001), and was regarding that elderly with better scores in TUGT were better scores of Physical Components of SF-36 (P=0,003). Conclusion: The quality of life is directly linked to the physical condition of the elderly, elderly practicing physical exercises have a better quality of life and less prone to falls.

scholarly journals Osteosarcopenia: pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic approaches

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-249
Author(s):  
Tatiana A. Grebennikova ◽  
Timur T Tsoriev ◽  
Juliya R Vorobeva ◽  
Zhanna E Belaya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Adherence To Diet ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Physical Functions

Osteosarcopenia was identified as a separate syndrome in 2009, and is defined as a combination of sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis. Osteosarcopenia develops mainly in old age, leads to a decrease in quality of life, an increased risk of falls and low-traumatic fractures. Patients with osteosarcopenia have worse indicators of physical functions, compared with people suffering from only one of the components of the syndrome. An important role in the osteosarcopenia prevention is played by the lifestyle of patients, Adherence to diet with the consumption of adequate amount of protein, physical activity and preventive prescription of calcium and vitamin D are important for osteosarcopenia prevention. The article summarizes data on the prevalence, pathogenesis and risk factors of osteosarcopenia, provides diagnostic criteria for the disease and discusses therapeutic approaches.

Assessment of the Therapeutic Effect of Physiotherapy on Minimizing Imbalances of Geriatric Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-91
Author(s):  
Justyna Pawlak ◽  
Małgorzata Dudkiewicz ◽  
Łukasz Kikowski
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Climbing Stairs ◽  
Tinetti Test

Introduction: The progressing aging process and comorbidities worsen the efficiency of the balance system in the elderly, which leads to a weakening of stability and, as a consequence, to falls and injuries. The first ones lead to: worsening of functioning, reduced mobility, an increased risk of disease and mortality, therefore systematic physical activity and shaping the balance using physiotherapy, which can prevent dangerous falls is very important. Aim: Assessment of the therapeutic effect of physiotherapy on minimizing imbalances in geriatric patients. M aterial and Methods: The study group consisted of 46 people, including 32 women (69.6%) and 14 men (30.4%); average age of respondents – 72.5 years. They were patients of the Department of Rehabilitation of Poddębice Health Center, Ltd. The researchers used a self-made questionnaire, body mass to height index (BMI) and the Tinetti Test. Results: Patients with an elevated BMI (89.1%), as well as those taking more than 4 medication (78.3%), have had more falls over the past year (respectively 91.4% and 81.4%). After the use of comprehensive therapy, none of the patients achieved a worse result than before the physiotherapy while 91.3% of the respondents had an increase in the number of points scored in the Tinetti Test. The percentage of patients at high risk of falling reduced from 67.4% to 37%. There was also a decrease in the fear of walking (in 58.7%), falling (in 57.7%) and climbing stairs (in 47.9%). According to 78.3% of respondents, physiotherapy positively affected their independence and quality of life. Conclusions: The use of comprehensive physiotherapy reduces the fear of walking, climbing stairs and falling, which can be a good predictor of prevention. Both polypragmasia and an elevated body mass index (BMI) increase the risk of falling. Comprehensive physiotherapy of geriatric patients helps to improve balance and gait stereotype. Physiotherapy for the elderly helps improve the quality of life, independence, minimize imbalances, and thus reduce the risk of falls. Balance exercises play an important role in preventing falls.

Lung Function and Quality of Life in Workers with Chemical and Dust Exposure

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Ruxandra Otelea ◽  
Oana Cristina Arghir ◽  
Corina Zugravu ◽  
Eugenia Naghi ◽  
Sabina Antoniu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Chronic Lung Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Occupational Settings

Regarding the widely distribution of respiratory exposure hazards in occupational settings, workers have an increased risk for chronic lung diseases. For assessing the quality of life and lung function in workers exposed to chemicals and dust, St George�s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and spirometry were performed among 40 patients, admitted in Occupational Clinic Department of Colentina Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, during February, 2017. SGRQ showed different predictors for patients according to their occupational exposure and total symptoms score correlated better with decreased spirometric parameters in defining lung function deterioration. Quality of life is earlier affected than lung function deterioration and emphasises the need of more sensitive methods for an earlier identification and better evaluation of respiratory hazards in different workplaces.

Biopsychosocial Patterning of Multimorbidity and Its Consequences

2018 ◽  
pp. 220-236
Author(s):  
Elliot Friedman ◽  
Beth LeBreton ◽  
Lindsay Fuzzell ◽  
Elizabeth Wehrpsann
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
The United States ◽  
Chronic Medical Conditions ◽  
Quality Of Life Research ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Over Time

By many estimates the majority of adults over age 65 have two or more chronic medical conditions (multimorbidity) and are consequently at increased risk of adverse functional outcomes. Nonetheless, many older adults with multimorbidity are able to maintain high levels of function and retain good quality of life. Research presented here is designed to understand the influences that help ensure better functional outcomes in these older adults. This chapter presents findings that draw on data from the Midlife in the United States study. The independent and interactive contributions of diverse factors to multimorbidity and changes in multimorbidity over time are reviewed. The degree that multimorbidity increases risk of cognitive impairment and disability is examined. The role of inflammation as a mediator is considered. Multimorbidity is increasingly the norm for older adults, so better understanding of factors contributing to variability in multimorbidity-related outcomes can lead to improved quality of life.

scholarly journals Potential of Beetroot and Blackcurrant Compounds to Improve Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 338
Author(s):  
Cameron Haswell ◽  
Ajmol Ali ◽  
Rachel Page ◽  
Roger Hurst ◽  
Kay Rutherfurd-Markwick
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Metabolic Abnormalities ◽  
Dietary Nitrate ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Concentrations

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of metabolic abnormalities, which together lead to increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as reduced quality of life. Dietary nitrate, betalains and anthocyanins may improve risk factors for MetS and reduce the risk of development of CHD and T2DM. Beetroot is a rich source of dietary nitrate, and anthocyanins are present in high concentrations in blackcurrants. This narrative review considers the efficacy of beetroot and blackcurrant compounds as potential agents to improve MetS risk factors, which could lead to decreased risk of CHD and T2DM. Further research is needed to establish the mechanisms through which these outcomes may occur, and chronic supplementation studies in humans may corroborate promising findings from animal models and acute human trials.

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