Geriatrics & gerontology international
-
Geriatr Gerontol Int · Sep 2017
Vitamin D and the characteristics associated with risk for knee pain among Korean older adults: Findings from a nationally representative survey.
To explore vitamin D and the risk factors associated with knee pain in a representative population of Korean older adults METHODS: Data were analyzed from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2013). A total of 3874 participants (1728 men, 2146 women) aged 65 years and older who had a measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D and knee pain severity RESULTS: Sex, age, obesity, education, knee radiographic osteoarthritis, hip pain and back pain were associated with having knee pain. Also, the level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was not significantly associated with knee pain severity. After controlling for confounding factors, the level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was not significantly associated with knee pain, and severity levels of mild, moderate and severe. ⋯ The results show that the serum vitamin D did not have a significant effect on knee pain in older adults in Korea. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1278-1285.
-
Geriatr Gerontol Int · Aug 2017
Effect of a dual task on quantitative Timed Up and Go performance in community-dwelling older adults: A preliminary study.
The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) is used as a measure of functional ability in older adults; however, the method of measurement does not allow us to determine which aspects of the test deficits occur in. The aim of the present study was to examine the ability of the quantitative TUG (QTUG) to measure performance during the TUG test under three different conditions - single task, motor task and cognitive dual task - and to compare performance between fallers and non-fallers in high-functioning community-dwelling older adults. ⋯ In community-dwelling older adults, these preliminary results show that a cognitive dual-task significantly (P < 0.025) affects QTUG performance in almost all parameters, with a significant (P < 0.025) reduction in time-to-stand observed with a motor task. Although no statistical difference was found between fallers and non-fallers for many of the parameters, cadence, stride time and stride velocity were statistically different (P < 0.05). A larger sample size and more assessment points might lead to more definitive findings. These results highlight the need for further research to examine QTUG performance under dual-task conditions between fallers and non-fallers in this population, and to look at the ability of dual-task QTUG assessment to measure change longitudinally and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1176-1182.
-
Geriatr Gerontol Int · Jul 2017
Multicenter Study Controlled Clinical TrialEstablishment of an appropriate fall prevention program: A community-based study.
To identify an appropriate community-based fall prevention program METHODS: We introduced two programs to 24 senior centers, "community salons," in a Japanese city, and carried out a prospective controlled trial between 2004 and 2005. Eight salons (185 participants aged 72.0 ± 7.1 years) received a single-visit program consisting of one multidisciplinary team visit that included fall risk assessment with feedback and a fall prevention lecture. A total of 16 salons (418 participants aged 73.6 ± 7.4 years) received a year-round comprehensive program, with visits carried out every 3 months. We compared the fall rates for 1 year between the two programs. Based on the results, we implemented a modified program until 2014 and examined the long-term consequences. ⋯ The programs including fall risk assessment with feedback and a fall prevention lecture reduced falls when embedded into the community, and they were accepted well over the course of 10 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1081-1089.
-
Geriatr Gerontol Int · Jul 2017
Comparative StudyAge-specific risk factors for incident disability in activities of daily living among middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling Japanese women during an 8-9-year follow up: The Hizen-Oshima study.
The purposes of the present study were to investigate risk factors for incident disability in activities of daily living (ADL) among middle-aged and older women, and to determine whether there are differences in risk factors according to age groups. ⋯ The present study showed that a different set of risk factors was associated with incident ADL disability among women aged 40-64 years and women aged ≥65 years. Age-specific screening and intervention strategies are necessary for effective prevention of incident ADL disability. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1096-1101.
-
Geriatr Gerontol Int · Jul 2017
Observational StudyClinical frailty and functional trajectories in hospitalized older adults: A retrospective observational study.
Frailty predicts inpatient mortality and length of stay, but its link to functional trajectories is under-researched. Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK, collects the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) within 72 h of admission for those aged ≥75 years. We studied whether the CFS links to functional trajectories in hospitalized older adults. ⋯ In older inpatients, frailty might be linked to lower and slower functional recovery. Prospective work is required to confirm these trajectories and understand how to influence them. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1063-1068.