Aging clinical and experimental research
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Feasibility of whole-body vibration training in nursing home residents with low physical function: a pilot study.
Whole-body vibration (WBV) training may offer an efficient option to improve physical performance of nursing home residents, but the feasibility of WBV training among frail elderly who require continuous institutional care is still open. ⋯ Frail nursing home residents form not only a potential but also challenging target group for physical rehabilitation with WBV. Side-alternating WBV training performed at low 12 Hz frequency was found generally feasible, whereas higher frequencies appeared formidable. Nevertheless, it is possible that physical performance of some frail elderly without contraindications to WBV can be improved with this type of rapidly executable physical training.
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The underutilization of beneficial cardiovascular medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) in the elderly patients continues to be a matter of concern. The aim of the presented study was to compare the prescription of ACEI and ARB in elderly hypertensive patients at the time of hospital admission and discharge and to identify patient-related factors which determine the prescription of ACEI/ARB. ⋯ Our study has identified a subset of elderly hypertensive patients (with heart failure, atrial fibrillation) in whom the use of ACEI/ARB could be improved.
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Functions of the intestinal mucosal barrier are often impaired in the elderly and are closely associated with many age-related diseases. However, mechanisms by which aging influences intestinal barrier function still remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate age-related changes in small intestinal morphology, bacteria contents and expression of epithelial tight junction (TJ) proteins. ⋯ Our study indicated that age-related intestinal barrier dysfunction may be associated with mucosal atrophy, damages to TJ structure, increased small intestine bacteria counts, and decreased epithelial TJ protein.
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Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fracture. The most frequent sites of fragility fractures are the hip, the distal radius, the spine, the proximal humerus, and the ankle. In most cases, a surgical approach with subsequent rehabilitative treatment is required. The general aims of rehabilitation are to increase functioning and improve patients' activities, participation level, and quality of life.
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Treatment of osteoporotic fractures leads to significant challenges for the surgeon, including poor implant fixation related to low bone quality and compromised capacity of fracture healing. This article reviews the osteosynthesis and arthroplasty results in the surgical treatment of proximal femur, proximal humerus and wrist fractures to define the current options to decrease failure in fragility fracture management.