Archives of gerontology and geriatrics
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Jan 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialFear of falling reduced by a lay led home-based program in frail community-dwelling older adults: A randomised controlled trial.
In older adults, fear of falling (FOF) leads to a decline in daily physical activity quality of life and an increased risk of falling. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to assess the effects of a 12-week home-based intervention program carried out by lay volunteers on FOF in frail older adults. ⋯ The mean FES-I score at baseline was 42.7 points and was significantly associated with the SPPB and PASE scores. The FES-I score significantly changed in the PTN group from 44.1 to 39.9 points over the course of the intervention. Twenty-seven percent of the participants showed a decreased FES-I score of at least 4 points. This decrease was associated with an increase in the SPPB score and an increase in handgrip strength CONCLUSION: A 12-week structured physical training and nutrition intervention carried out by lay volunteers, which leads to an increase in physical activity and improved physical performance, can reduce FOF by about 10%.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Nov 2016
Differing trends in fall-related fracture and non-fracture injuries in older people with and without dementia.
To explore the impact of dementia on the trends in fall-related fracture and non-fracture injuries for older people. ⋯ Rates of fall-related fracture and non-fracture hospitalisations for people with dementia remain higher than for those without dementia. However, fall-related fracture hospitalisation rates have decreased for people with dementia, while there has not been a corresponding decrease in people without dementia.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Nov 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialThe chaotic journey: Recovering from hip fracture in a nursing home.
To understand the journey experienced by nursing home residents following hip fracture and impressions of an outreach rehabilitation program offered after their return home. ⋯ This research suggests that an integrated care pathway including the hospital stay and first weeks back at nursing homes should be developed. Performance indicators should include carer measures on the quality of the transfer, pain management measures in the first month and return to walking.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Nov 2016
Risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fractures and outcome after conservative therapy.
The prevalence of osteoporosis has continuously increased over the past decades and it is set to increase substantially as life expectancy rises steadily. Fragility or osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis often occur after low energy falls e.g. from standing, however, some patients present with assumed insufficiency fractures of the pelvis without a previous trauma. Osteoporotic fractures impose a tremendous economic burden and these fractures deserve attention as they lead to a decrease in mobility with an increase in dependency and are associated with a high rate of mortality. To date, little is known about potential risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fractures. Furthermore, information on clinical outcome is scarce. In view of this rather limited knowledge, we aimed to identify potential risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fractures and to collect information on their short- and long-term outcomes. ⋯ In conclusion, this study showed multiple risk factors for pelvic insufficiency fractures. Some, like vitamin D deficiency, can benefit easy preventive measures. Outcome of conservative therapy is poor, with loss of social and physical independence and autonomy. The mortality rate is high. Efforts should be made in preventing pelvic insufficiency fractures. All patients should be treated for the severe osteoporosis being associated with these fracture type.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Nov 2016
Multicenter StudyMeasuring frailty in Dutch community-dwelling older people: Reference values of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI).
The objectives of this study were to provide reference values of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) for community-dwelling older people by age, sex, marital status, ethnicity, education, income, and residence, and examine the effects of these seven socio-demographic variables on frailty. ⋯ In conclusion, this study offers reference values of the TFI by socio-demographic characteristics and explains frailty using these characteristics. This information will support researchers, policymakers and health care professionals in interpreting scores of the TFI, which may guide their efforts to reduce frailty and its adverse outcomes.