Archives of gerontology and geriatrics
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Sep 2015
Association of sagittal spinal alignment with thickness and echo intensity of lumbar back muscles in middle-aged and elderly women.
Quantitative changes, such as a decrease in muscle mass, and qualitative changes, such as an increase in the amount of intramuscular non-contractile tissue, occur with aging. However, it is unclear whether quantitative or qualitative changes in back muscles are associated with spinal alignment in the standing position. We investigated the association of sagittal spinal alignment with muscle thickness as an index of the mass of lumbar back muscles and muscle echo intensity as an index of the amount of non-contractile tissue within these muscles. ⋯ Our results suggest that an increase in thoracic kyphosis is associated with a decrease in the mass of the erector spinae muscle, and that a decrease in pelvic anterior inclination is associated with a decrease in the mass of the psoas major muscle and an increase in the amount of non-contractile tissue within the lumbar multifidus muscle.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Sep 2015
Development and validation of the health literacy assessment tool for older people in Taiwan: potential impacts of cultural differences.
To screen health literacy among urban elderly in Taiwan, who cannot be evaluated easily using the current measurement tools because of the "face", which meant someone felt embarrassed if he did not know how to do something. ⋯ This screening tool should be applied to screen health literacy of elderly came from baby boomer who usually have lower education levels than the general population in Chinese regions.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Jul 2015
Frailty predictors and outcomes among older patients with cardiovascular disease: Data from Fragicor.
The aim of this study was to evaluate predictive factors for frailty among older outpatient adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to assess the predictive value of frailty in regard to mortality, disability and hospitalization at 1-year follow-up. A prospective cohort study was carried out with subjects over 65 years of age from an outpatient Cardiology clinic, with at least one CVD. At baseline, we classified frailty as proposed by Fried, i.e.; unintentional weight loss (10lbs in the past year), self-reported exhaustion, weakness (measured by grip strength), slow walking speed, and low physical activity. ⋯ In conclusion, older outpatients with CVD have a higher probability to be frail than older adults who do not have a CVD. Low SPB and DBP must always be taken into consideration due to their high association with frailty. It is also important to diagnose frailty in this population due to the high association with mortality and disability.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · Jul 2015
Person-centered Climate Questionnaire-Patient in English: A psychometric evaluation study in long-term care settings.
There is increasing evidence that person-centered care improves nursing home residents' quality of life. Despite the clear focus of person-centered care on enhancing care for residents and engaging residents in care, there are few options available for measuring person-centered care from the perspective of the elder residents. ⋯ The English version of the PCQ-P is a valid and reliable tool to directly measure the perceptions of the person-centered climate in the U.S nursing homes. The simple and straightforward PCQ-P items are easy to administer to nursing home residents. Consequently, clinical staff can utilize the PCQ-P to assess the unit climate, and evaluate outcomes of person-centered interventions.
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Arch Gerontol Geriatr · May 2015
Observational StudyFactors influencing the progress of mobilization in hip fracture patients during the early postsurgical period?-A prospective observational study.
The aim of the present study was to determine the independent factors influencing mobilization progress after geriatric hip fractures. ⋯ While pre-fracture co-morbidities and function cannot be changed, the treatment of patients with cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms should be optimized. Efforts should be undertaken to ensure early surgery for all hip fractures.