scholarly journals A Social Virtual Reality-Based Application for the Physical and Cognitive Training of the Elderly at Home

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Arlati ◽  
Vera Colombo ◽  
Daniele Spoladore ◽  
Luca Greci ◽  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Improve Treatment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Task Training ◽  
Dual Task Training

Frailty is a clinical condition affecting the elderly population which results in an increased risk of falls. Previous studies demonstrated that falls prevention programs are effective, but they suffer from low adherence, especially when subjects have to train unsupervised in their homes. To try to improve treatment adherence, virtual reality and social media have been proposed as promising strategies for the increase of users’ motivation and thus their willingness to practice. In the context of smart homes, this work presents SocialBike, a virtual reality-based application aimed at improving the clinical outcomes of older frail adults in their houses. Indeed, SocialBike is integrated in the “house of the future” framework and proposes a Dual Task training program in which the users are required to cycle on a stationary bike while recognizing target animals or objects appearing along the way. It also implements the possibility of training with other users, thus reducing the risk of social isolation. Within SocialBike, users can choose the multiplayer mode they prefer (i.e., collaborative or competitive), and are allowed to train following their own attitude. SocialBike’s validation, refinement, and business model are currently under development, and are briefly discussed as future works.

scholarly journals Complications of Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery in Elderly Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 03) ◽  
pp. S287-S288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Kenning ◽  
Carlos Pinheiro-Neto
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
High Flow ◽  
Endoscopic Endonasal ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Perioperative Morbidity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

AbstractExtended endoscopic endonasal procedures are not unique among surgical interventions in carrying increased risk in the elderly population. There are, however, components of the procedure, namely high-flow cerebrospinal fluid leaks, that do result in the potential for increased perioperative morbidity for these patients. We present the case of a 77-year-old male with a large invasive pituitary macroadenoma resected through a transplanum-transtuberculum-transsellar endonasal approach. A gross total resection was obtained with resolution of the patient's preoperative ophthalmologic deficits. One month postoperatively, the patient developed progressive lethargy and cranial imaging demonstrated a left convexity subacute subdural hematoma. This was evacuated through a twist drill craniostomy. Despite measures to limit the operative time of the initial endonasal procedure as well as the absence of a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistula, the patient still developed this complication. Along with more typical potential causes of postoperative decline following extended endonasal procedures, problems from high-flow intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks alone can result in morbidity in the elderly population. This should be acknowledged preoperatively and a high suspicion should exist for the presence of intracranial hemorrhage in these patients with any postoperative deficits. Additional intraoperative measures can be utilized to minimize such risks.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/EkLmt2T8_UE.

HYPERTENSION IN ELDERLY:OUR CURRENT TRENDS

2021 ◽  
pp. 56-57
Author(s):  
Rohit Arora ◽  
D.K Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Individualized Approach ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Optimal Target

Hypertension is a common disease in the elderly associated with signicant morbidity and mortality. Due to the complexity of this population, the optimal target of blood pressure (BP) control is still controversial. In this article, we conduct a literature review of trials published in English in the last 10 years which were specically designed to study the efcacy and safety of various BP targets in patients who are 70 years or older. Using these criteria, we found that the benets in the positive studies were demonstrated even with a minimal BPcontrol (systolic BP[SBP] <150 mmHg) and continued to be reported for a SBP<120 mmHg. On the other hand, keeping SBP<140 mmHg seemed to be safely achieved in elderly patients. Although the safety of lowering SBP to <120 mmHg is debated, Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial study has shown no increased risk of falls, fractures, or kidney failure in elderly patients with SBP lower than this threshold. While the recent guidelines recommended to keep BP <130/80 mmHg in the elderly, more individualized approach should be considered to achieve this goal in order to avoid undesirable complications. Furthermore, further studies are required to evaluate BPtarget in very old patients or those with multiple comorbidities.

“ANTIAGING” EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS: A BRIEF NARRATIVE REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
JÚLIO BENVENUTTI BUENO DE CAMARGO ◽  
RAFAEL SAKAI ZARONI ◽  
TIAGO VOLPI BRAZ ◽  
MOISÉS DIEGO GERMANO ◽  
JHENIPHER MONIKY ROSOLEM ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Biological Tissues ◽  
Progressive Decline ◽  
Morphological Aspects ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Influence Functional ◽  
Rate Of Decline ◽  
Musculoskeletal Systems

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in function and morphological aspects of biological tissues, with especial regards to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. In this sense, exercise has been shown to strongly counteract these aging-induced detrimental effects. Endurance exercise (EE) has been shown to reduce the rate of decline of factors related to cardiorespiratory fitness. In addition, the adoption of resistance training (RT) may also induce relevant adaptations, especially related to increased muscle strength and power levels, that have shown to positively influence functional aspects as improved balance and reduced risk of falls in the elderly population. Then, the aim of the present study is to briefly review the exercise literature regarding its mechanisms that could potentially present “antiaging” effects.

Serum levels of 25(OH)D are not associated with venous thromboembolism in the elderly population

2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (01) ◽  
pp. 169-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélien Delluc ◽  
Marie-Pierre Moineau ◽  
Cécile Tromeur ◽  
Maelenn Gouillou ◽  
Karine Lacut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Walking Capacity

SummaryThe prevalence of both vitamin D deficiency and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is important in the elderly. Previous studies have provided evidence for a possible association between vitamin D status and the risk of VTE. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and VTE in the population aged 75 and over included in the EDITH case-control study. The association between vitamin D status and VTE was analysed. We also analysed the monthly and seasonal variations of VTE and vitamin D. Between May 2000 and December 2009, 340 elderly patients (mean age 81.5 years, 32 % men) with unprovoked VTE and their controls were included. The univariate and multivariate analysis found no significant association between serum levels of vitamin D and the risk of unprovoked VTE. In the unadjusted analysis, a higher BMI was statistically associated with an increased risk of VTE (OR 1.09; 95 % CI 1.05–1.13) whereas a better walking capacity and living at home were associated with a decreased rate of VTE: OR 0.57; 95 % CI 0.36–0.90 and 0.40; 95 % CI 0.25–0.66, respectively. Although not significant, more VTE events occurred during winter (p=0.09). No seasonal variations of vitamin D levels were found (p=0.11). In conclusion, in contrast with previous reports our findings suggest that vitamin D is not associated with VTE in the elderly population.

Does the Management of Visual and Audible Motion Information during an Immersive Virtual Reality Timed Up and Go Test Impact Locomotor Performance in the Elderly?

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Frédéric Muhla ◽  
Karine Duclos ◽  
Fabien Clanché ◽  
Philippe Meyer ◽  
Séverine Maïaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Motor Control ◽  
Optical Flow ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Friedman's Test ◽  
Risk Of Falls

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Falling among the elderly is a major public health issue, especially with the advancing age of the baby boomers. The fall risk assessment tests for many lack a context that would bring them closer to everyday life. Thus, immersive virtual reality, which makes it possible to simulate everyday situations, could make it possible to strengthen the quality of the assessment of the risk of falls. However, it is necessary to understand how the use of a virtual reality device influences the motor control of elderly participants. If vestibular physiotherapists use VR to virtualize their tools, what impact would a visual simulation of movement have on motor control in a locomotor task, if this simulation were plausible? <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Sixty-two elders (70.8 ± 6.7 years old) completed a Timed Up and Go task under 3 conditions: real, virtual reality, and virtual reality with visual and sound movement information. The virtual reality task takes place in a train either stationary at a station or in uniform linear motion. The time and number of steps were recorded using video, and comparisons between conditions were made using Friedman’s test. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The results show a significant increase in the time and number of steps in “virtual reality” condition compared to the “real” condition. They do not show significant differences between the 2 virtual conditions. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The use of a running virtual train to provide plausible movement is particularly distinguished from vestibular physiotherapy applications with first a fixed visual support partially obscuring the optical flow. This visual aid coupled with the attention dedicated to the task inhibits the effect of the moving environment on locomotion. However, the visual optical flow will potentially have an effect in people with fear of falling. Virtual reality shows great potential for the simulation of realistic environments for the assessment of the risk of falls and opens up avenues for the development of tests.

scholarly journals 32 Effect of Dual Task Training Regarding to Postural Stability in the Healthy Elderly

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv9-iv12
Author(s):  
Anyamanee Yingyongyudha ◽  
Thanakorn Ramrong ◽  
Piyatip Yodkue ◽  
Korawit Jamjit ◽  
Pawaris Suchart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Postural Instability ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Task Training ◽  
Dual Task Training ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Introduction Postural instability problem in the elderly is associated the cognitive impairment. The ageing process is directly linked to impairments in postural stability. Dual task activity is a commonplace to most activities of daily living. The elderly who has a postural instability and cognitive decline that are mechanisms which lead to an increased risk of falls in the elderly. Objective To investigate the effect of dual task training on postural stability in the healthy elderly. Methods The sixty-six healthy elderly were selected based on the inclusion criteria. With randomized 33 participants in each experimental and control group. The experimental group received dual task training for 6 weeks delivered three days per week. The control group received education for postural stability and aerobic exercise. Their postural stability was assessed using the Mini-BESTest in before and after training. Results The score of the Mini-BESTest compare between before and after 6 weeks were significantly different in postural stability and cognitive from that before in experimental group (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions The finding support the dual task training program can improve postural stability in the elderly. Therefore, the dual task training program should be implemented with the elderly to be a choice of exercises for the elderly with postural instability.

scholarly journals Parkinson’s Disease and Symptomatic Osteoarthritis Are Independent Risk Factors of Falls in the Elderly

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 117954411988493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneli Teder-Braschinsky ◽  
Aare Märtson ◽  
Marika Rosenthal ◽  
Pille Taba
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Symptomatic Knee ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Objectives: Deteriorating functionality and loss of mobility, resulting from Parkinson’s disease, may be worsened by osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of joint disease causing pain and functional impairment. We assessed the association between symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis, falls, and the ability to walk among patients with Parkinson’s disease compared to a control group. Methods: A total of 136 patients with Parkinson’s disease in Southern Estonia and 142 controls with an average age of 76.8 and 76.3 years, respectively, were enrolled in a retrospective case-control study. Information on falls and related fractures during the previous year was collected from the patients with Parkinson’s disease and controls. Covariates included gender, age, mobility, duration of Parkinson’s disease, and fractures. Results: Patients with Parkinson’s disease were at an increased risk of falls compared to the control group, and for the higher risk of fractures. Symptomatic knee or hip osteoarthritis was a significant independent predictor of falls in both patients with Parkinson’s disease and controls. The higher risk for fractures during the previous year was demonstrated in symptomatic osteoarthritis. Risk factors for falls included also female gender, use of sleep pills, and the inability to walk 500 m. Conclusions: Symptomatic hip and knee osteoarthritis are risk factors for falls and related fractures among the elderly population with and without Parkinson’s disease. The inability to walk 500 m could be used as a simple predictive factor for the increased risk of falls among elderly populations.

scholarly journals The aging lung mucosa: A proteomics study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreu Garcia-Vilanova ◽  
Angelica M. Olmo-Fontanez ◽  
Juan I. Moliva ◽  
Anna Allue Guardia ◽  
Harjinder Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Pulmonary Diseases ◽  
Lung Cells ◽  
Molecular Fingerprints ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Insight Into

The elderly population is at increased risk of acute and chronic respiratory infections and other pulmonary diseases, and it is estimated that this population will double in the next 30 years. Biochemical changes in the lung alveolar mucosa and lung cells alter local immune response as we age, creating opportunities for invading pathogens to establish successful infections. Indeed, the lungs of the elderly are a pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidative, dysregulated environment but this environment has remained understudied. We performed a comprehensive, quantitative proteomic profile of the lung mucosa in the elderly, developing insight into the molecular fingerprints, pathways, and regulatory networks that characterize the lung in old age. We identified neutrophils in the lungs of elderly individuals as possible contributors to dysregulated lung tissue environment. This study establishes a baseline for future investigations to develop strategies to mitigate susceptibility to respiratory infections in the elderly.

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