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Journal of Applied Gerontology : the... Feb 2024Reminiscence therapy and music are often used to improve the wellbeing of older people; however, we do not know how these interventions are used in practice. This study...
Reminiscence therapy and music are often used to improve the wellbeing of older people; however, we do not know how these interventions are used in practice. This study explored how those working with older people view and use verbal Reminiscence Therapy (VRT) and Music-assisted Reminiscence Therapy (MRT). A total of 110 participants who worked or volunteered with older people in Australia were surveyed in this descriptive, mixed-method study. VRT and MRT were frequently and spontaneously used to respond to the varied needs of older adults. VRT and MRT lead to reported positive outcomes including better care practices, positive affect and mood, and improved social connections. MRT was used as a compensatory strategy when traditional VRT was not possible. This study describes the current practices of VRT and MRT, and an overview of how reminiscence-based approaches are used in Australia to address the health and wellbeing of older people.
PubMed: 38423075
DOI: 10.1177/07334648241236236 -
Schizophrenia (Heidelberg, Germany) Feb 2024Accumulating evidence has supported the implementation of dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a promising intervention for patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). However, its...
Accumulating evidence has supported the implementation of dance/movement therapy (DMT) as a promising intervention for patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). However, its effect on body weight and metabolic profile in SCZ remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of a 12-week DMT session on weight and lipid profile in patients with SCZ using a randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial design. This study encompassed two groups of long-term hospitalized patients with SCZ, who were randomly assigned to the DMT intervention (n = 30) or the treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 30). Metabolic markers, including weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were measured in both groups at two measurement points (at baseline and the end of the 12-week treatment). We found that DMT intervention significantly decreased body weight (F = 5.5, p = 0.02) and BMI (F = 5.7, p = 0.02) as compared to the TAU group. However, no significance was observed in other metabolic markers, including fasting glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol after treatment (all p > 0.05). Our study indicates that a 12-week, 24-session DMT program may be effective in decreasing body weight and BMI in long-term hospitalized patients with SCZ. DMT intervention may be a promising treatment strategy for long-term inpatients in the psychiatric department.
PubMed: 38388554
DOI: 10.1038/s41537-024-00435-7 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver... Mar 2024Walled-off necrosis (WON) is a serious complication of severe pancreatitis, patients with necrotizing pancreatitis having an increased risk of developing diabetes...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Walled-off necrosis (WON) is a serious complication of severe pancreatitis, patients with necrotizing pancreatitis having an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of new-onset diabetes (NOD) in patients with symptomatic WON after endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS).
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively collected database of patients with symptomatic WON treated by EUS-guided drainage with LAMS in a tertiary referral center. The patients were followed-up for at least 12 months after stent removal. These patients were compared with age- and sex-matched asymptomatic WON controls without interventional treatment and healthy controls to assess the one-year occurrence of DM. Diabetes was defined according to the American Diabetes Association criteria.
RESULTS
Of the 50 patients with symptomatic WON included in the study (male/female ratio, 33:17; median age, 60 years), 13 patients (26%) had pre-existing DM and were excluded. Ten of the remaining 37 patients (27%) without prior DM developed NOD within one year after stent removal, this frequency being higher than in asymptomatic WON controls (18.9%, p=0.581) and healthy controls (2%, p = 0.002). In the symptomatic WON group, NOD patients compared to non-DM patients were older (63.5 vs. 56 years old, p=0.042), had more frequent necrosis > 50% of the pancreatic parenchyma (p=0.002) and had a body-tail location of WON (p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, the number of direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) sessions was the only significant factor for NOD occurrence (OR=7.05, p=0.010). NOD patients had poor glycemic control and required more DEN sessions to achieve WON resolution than patients with prior DM (p=0.017).
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with symptomatic WON treated by EUS-guided drainage, DM occurred in 27% of previously non-diabetic patients within one year of follow-up. Patients with extensive pancreatic necrosis were more likely to develop NOD, a high number of DEN sessions being a significant risk factor for NOD occurrence.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Endosonography; Stents; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing; Diabetes Mellitus; Drainage; Necrosis
PubMed: 38386891
DOI: 10.15403/jgld-5142 -
Experimental Gerontology Apr 2024The current study aimed to compare the effects of Pilates versus Zumba training on postural performance in middle-aged postmenopausal women. Fifty-seven eligible women,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The current study aimed to compare the effects of Pilates versus Zumba training on postural performance in middle-aged postmenopausal women. Fifty-seven eligible women, aged between 50 and 60 years, were randomized into three groups: Zumba (ZG) group, Pilates (PG) group or control (CG) group. Postural control was assessed using a force platform under 4 sensory manipulation conditions: on firm and foam surfaces with eyes opened (EO) and closed (EC). Our results showed more marked adaptations in favor of ZG concerning postural performance compared to PG. For the PG, postural control was significantly improved only in simple postural conditions on the firm surface with EO (p < 0.1) and EC (p < 0.05) conditions. However, postural control of the ZG significantly improved in both the simple and complex postural conditions, even under conflicting sensory situations (firm surface/EO (p < 0.001; 95 % CI: [1.34, 4.46]), EC (p < 0.001; 95 % CI: [2.13, 5.24])); foam surface/EO (p < 0.01; 95 % CI: [0.70, 8.57]), EC (p < 0.01; 95 % CI: [0.65, 8.52])). In conclusion, Zumba training seems to be more effective and a better strategy to promote postural control in daily living activities and autonomy in postmenopausal women than Pilates training. These findings are useful for public health practitioners in designing physical interventions for balance disorders.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Postmenopause; Postural Balance; Activities of Daily Living; Physical Examination
PubMed: 38377666
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112383 -
BMC Geriatrics Feb 2024Square dancing is a kind of aerobic fitness exercise without environmental restrictions that yields many benefits for physical and mental health; this exercise is...
Effects of square dance exercise on cognitive function in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment: the mediating role of balance ability and executive function.
BACKGROUND
Square dancing is a kind of aerobic fitness exercise without environmental restrictions that yields many benefits for physical and mental health; this exercise is popular among middle-aged and elderly people in China and in these populations in other countries. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of square dance exercise on the overall cognitive function of elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to research its mechanisms.
METHODS
A total of 60 elderly people with MCI (60-69 years old) without square dance experience were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The experimental group participated in square dance exercise for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their original lifestyle habits. One week before and after the intervention period, the overall cognitive function, physical fitness, and executive function of both groups were measured.
RESULTS
According to the results, square dance exercise directly improved the overall cognitive function of elderly individuals with MCI and indirectly affected overall cognitive function through the mediating effects of balance ability and executive function.
CONCLUSIONS
Square dance exercise represents a nonpharmacological intervention for the prevention and treatment of MCI. Importantly, it is best to combine this exercise with other forms of physical exercise and comprehensive treatment programs such as cognitive training, social interaction, and psychological intervention to realize its maximum effect.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Dancing; Executive Function; Cognition; Exercise; Cognitive Dysfunction
PubMed: 38360628
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04714-x -
European Journal of Applied Physiology Jun 2024Persistent inward calcium and sodium currents (PICs) are crucial for initiation and maintenance of motoneuron firing, and thus muscular force. However, there is a lack...
PURPOSE
Persistent inward calcium and sodium currents (PICs) are crucial for initiation and maintenance of motoneuron firing, and thus muscular force. However, there is a lack of data describing the effects of fatiguing exercise on PIC activity in humans. We simultaneously applied tendon vibration and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (VibStim) before and after fatiguing exercise. VibStim induces self-sustained muscle activity that is proposed to result from PIC activation.
METHODS
Twelve men performed 5-s maximal isometric plantar flexor contractions (MVC) with 5-s rests until joint torque was reduced to 70%MVC. VibStim trials consisted of five 2-s trains of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (20 Hz, evoking 10% MVC) of triceps surae with simultaneous Achilles tendon vibration (115 Hz) without voluntary muscle activation. VibStim was applied before (PRE), immediately (POST), 5-min (POST-5), and 10-min (POST-10) after exercise completion.
RESULTS
Sustained torque (T) and soleus electromyogram amplitudes (EMG) measured 3 s after VibStim were reduced (T: -59.0%, p < 0.001; soleus EMG: -38.4%, p < 0.001) but largely recovered by POST-5, and changes in MVC and T were correlated across the four time points (r = 0.69; p < 0.001). After normalisation to values obtained at the end of the vibration phase to control for changes in fibre-specific force and EMG signal characteristics, decreases in T (-42.9%) and soleus EMG (-22.6%) remained significant and were each correlated with loss and recovery of MVC (r = 0.41 and 0.46, respectively).
CONCLUSION
The parallel changes observed in evoked self-sustained muscle activity and force generation capacity provide motivation for future examinations on the potential influence of fatigue-induced PIC changes on motoneuron output.
Topics: Humans; Male; Muscle Fatigue; Muscle, Skeletal; Adult; Isometric Contraction; Torque; Electric Stimulation; Vibration; Electromyography; Muscle Contraction; Achilles Tendon; Young Adult
PubMed: 38340155
DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05403-0 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2024Dance is an effective and motivating form of exercise for older women, but few studies have quantified the benefits of virtual dance classes nor, specifically, ballet....
INTRODUCTION
Dance is an effective and motivating form of exercise for older women, but few studies have quantified the benefits of virtual dance classes nor, specifically, ballet. This study tested the effectiveness of virtual ballet compared to virtual wellness classes, with the goal of reaching underserved populations. It is among the first to explore the effects of virtual classical ballet on functional gait mobility, balance, and quality of life measures in older women.
METHODS
Older women were recruited in two waves and randomized to two groups: a ballet class modified for older adults and a wellness-based control class. Both groups received 12 weeks of online classes, meeting twice per week for 45-min sessions. Classes were taught by a local company that offers community-based ballet classes. The same instructor led both the ballet and the wellness classes. Pre- and post-intervention assessments include gait and balance testing using wearable inertial sensors and self-report outcomes including quality of life and mood questionnaires.
RESULTS
Forty-four older women completed the study: Ballet group ( = 21, 67.81 ± 7.3 years); Wellness group ( = 23, 69.96 ± 6.7 years). Pre- to post-intervention, both groups increased velocity on the two-minute walk test ( = 25.36, < 0.001) and improved their time on the Timed Up and Go ( = 4.744, = 0.035). Both groups improved balance on the Mini-BESTest ( = 38.154, < 0.001), increased their scores on the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale ( = 10.688, < 0.001), and increased quality of life via the Short Form Health Survey ( = 7.663, = 0.008). The ballet group improved gait variability in the backward direction ( = 14.577, < 0.001) and reduced fall rates more than the wellness group [χ(1) = 5.096, = 0.024].
DISCUSSION
Both virtual ballet and wellness classes improve select measures of gait, balance, and quality of life. The benefits seen in both groups highlight the importance of considering social interaction as a key component when developing future interventions to target mobility in older women.
PubMed: 38327499
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1289368 -
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Feb 2024To assess which type of physical exercise intervention has the most beneficial effects on balance, postural stability and general mobility in patients with Parkinson's... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess which type of physical exercise intervention has the most beneficial effects on balance, postural stability and general mobility in patients with Parkinson's disease. These parameters were assessed using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (MiniBESTest) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG).
DESIGN
Network meta-analysis.
METHODS
The PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases were searched up to August 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials on the effects of physical exercise interventions on balance, postural stability, and general mobility. The network meta-analysis included pairwise and indirect comparisons of results on the ABC scale, BBS, MiniBESTest, and TUG across 8 categories of physical exercise.
RESULTS
Eighty-six studies with a total of 4,693 patients were included. For the ABC scale, the indirect comparison showed that the highest effect size was observed for balance vs sensorimotor training without including endurance interventions (0.62; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.06, 1.17). The highest effect sizes for BBS were observed for alternative exercises (1.21; 95% CI 0.62, 1.81), body-weight supported (BWS) interventions (1.31; 95% CI 0.57, 2.05), dance (1.18; 95% CI 0.33, 2.03) and sensorimotor training, including endurance interventions (1.10; 95% CI 0.46, 1.75) vs control groups. Indirect comparisons showed that the highest effect size for the MiniBESTest were observed for balance (0.75; 95% CI 0.46, 1.04) and resistance (0.58; 95% CI 0.10, 1.07) vs control groups. For the TUG, comparisons showed a significant effect size for alternative exercises (-0.54; 95% CI -0.82, -0.26), balance (-0.42; 95% CI -0.75, -0.08), resistance (-0.60; 95% CI -0.89, -0.31), and sensorimotor training including endurance interventions (-0.61; 95% CI -0.95, -0.27) vs control comparisons.
CONCLUSION
Balance interventions improve balance, postural stability, and general mobility in people with Parkinson's disease. Moreover, alternative exercises, dance, BWS interventions, resistance, and sensorimotor training, including and not including endurance interventions, are also effective.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Gait; Network Meta-Analysis; Postural Balance; Time and Motion Studies; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 38298133
DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v56.10329 -
Asian Journal of Surgery May 2024
Topics: Humans; Bone Density; Schizophrenia; Male; Middle Aged; Veterans; Dance Therapy; Hospitalization; Treatment Outcome; Female; Aged
PubMed: 38290949
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.01.118 -
Current Osteoporosis Reports Feb 2024This review examines the linked pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease/related dementia (AD/ADRD) and bone disorders like osteoporosis. The emphasis is on... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review examines the linked pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease/related dementia (AD/ADRD) and bone disorders like osteoporosis. The emphasis is on "inflammaging"-a low-level inflammation common to both, and its implications in an aging population.
RECENT FINDINGS
Aging intensifies both ADRD and bone deterioration. Notably, ADRD patients have a heightened fracture risk, impacting morbidity and mortality, though it is uncertain if fractures worsen ADRD. Therapeutically, agents targeting inflammation pathways, especially Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and TNF-α, appear beneficial for both conditions. Additionally, treatments like Sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1), known for anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, are gaining attention. The interconnectedness of AD/ADRD and bone health necessitates a unified treatment approach. By addressing shared mechanisms, we can potentially transform therapeutic strategies, enriching our understanding and refining care in our aging society. This review article is part of a series of multiple manuscripts designed to determine the utility of using artificial intelligence for writing scientific reviews.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Dementia; Artificial Intelligence; Bone Density; Inflammation
PubMed: 38285083
DOI: 10.1007/s11914-023-00847-x