scholarly journals Use of a Single Wireless IMU for the Segmentation and Automatic Analysis of Activities Performed in the 3-m Timed Up & Go Test

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 1647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulina Ortega-Bastidas ◽  
Pablo Aqueveque ◽  
Britam Gómez ◽  
Francisco Saavedra ◽  
Roberto Cano-de-la-Cuerda
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Measurement Unit ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Mean Error ◽  
Young Subjects

Falls represent a major public health problem in the elderly population. The Timed Up & Go test (TU & Go) is the most used tool to measure this risk of falling, which offers a unique parameter in seconds that represents the dynamic balance. However, it is not determined in which activity the subject presents greater difficulties. For this, a feature-based segmentation method using a single wireless Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is proposed in order to analyze data of the inertial sensors to provide a complete report on risks of falls. Twenty-five young subjects and 12 older adults were measured to validate the method proposed with an IMU in the back and with video recording. The measurement system showed similar data compared to the conventional test video recorded, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.9884 and a mean error of 0.17 ± 0.13 s for young subjects, as well as a correlation coefficient of 0.9878 and a mean error of 0.2 ± 0.22 s for older adults. Our methodology allows for identifying all the TU & Go sub–tasks with a single IMU automatically providing information about variables such as: duration of sub–tasks, standing and sitting accelerations, rotation velocity of turning, number of steps during walking and turns, and the inclination degrees of the trunk during standing and sitting.

scholarly journals Adaptation and validation of the Caregiver Burden Inventory for use with caregivers of elderly individuals

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daiany Borghetti Valer ◽  
Marinês Aires ◽  
Fernanda Lais Fengler ◽  
Lisiane Manganelli Girardi Paskulin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Expert Committee ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Back Translation ◽  
Student’S T

OBJECTIVE: to adapt and validate the Caregiver Burden Inventory for use with caregivers of older adults in Brazil.METHOD: methodological study involving initial translation, synthesis of translations, back translation, expert committee review, pre-testing, submission of the final version to the original authors, and assessment of the inventory's psychometric properties. The inventory assesses five dimensions of caregiver burden: time-dependence, developmental, physical, social and emotional dimensions.RESULTS: a total of 120 family caregivers took part in the study. All care-receivers were older adults dependent on assistance to perform activities of daily living, and lived in the central region of the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Cronbach's alpha value for the inventory was 0.936, and the Pearson correlation coefficient for the relationship between the scores obtained on the Caregiver Burden Inventory and the Burden Interview was 0.814. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.941, and the value of Student's T-test comparing test and retest scores was 0.792.CONCLUSION: the instrument presented adequate reliability and the suitability of its items and factors was confirmed in this study.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Determinants of Falls among Older Adults in Ecuador: An Analysis of the SABE I Survey

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos H. Orces
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Andes Mountains ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Nationally Representative

The present study based on a nationally representative sample of older adults living in the Andes mountains and coastal region of the country indicates that 34.7% of older adults had fallen in the previous year in Ecuador. Among fallers, 30.6% reported a fall-related injury. The prevalence of falls was higher in women and among older adults residing in the rural Andes mountains. In the multivariate model, women, subjects with cognitive impairment, those reporting urinary incontinence, and those being physically active during the previous year were variables found independently associated with increased risk of falling among older adults in Ecuador. Moreover, a gradual and linear increase in the prevalence of falls was seen as the number of risk factors increased. Falls represent a major public health problem among older adults in Ecuador. The present findings may assist public health authorities to implement programs of awareness and fall prevention among older adults at higher risk of falls.

scholarly journals Depression, cardiac mortality and all-cause mortality

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Seymour ◽  
Tony B. Benning
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Excess Mortality ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cardiac Mortality ◽  
All Cause Mortality

SummaryDepression is an illness that kills. The links between depression and medical illness are well established and bi-directional, but evidence is mounting that depression increases mortality as well as morbidity in adults, particularly older adults. We examine the evidence that the increase in mortality in depression applies to all-cause mortality as well as cardiac mortality, and describe plausible physiological theories for the association. We conclude that excess mortality arising from depression is a major public health problem that is largely unrecognised and needs to be addressed by a range of clinicians.

scholarly journals Implications of alcoholic cirrhosis in atherosclerosis of autopsied patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-340
Author(s):  
Luciano Alves Matias da Silveira ◽  
Bianca Gonçalves Silva Torquato ◽  
Mariana Silva Oliveira ◽  
Guilherme Ribeiro Juliano ◽  
Lívia Ferreira Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Cirrhosis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Alcoholic Cirrhosis ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis ◽  
Early Injury ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Liver Fragments

Summary Introduction: Alcoholism is a major public health problem, which has a high social cost and affects many aspects of human activity. Liver disease is one of the first consequences of alcohol abuse, and steatosis, liver cirrhosis and hepatitis may occur. Other organs are also affected with pathological changes, such as pancreatitis, cardiomyopathies, dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis. Objective: To identify the occurrence and degree of atherosclerosis in alcohol-dependent individuals with liver cirrhosis, observing macroscopic and microscopic changes in lipid and collagen deposits and in the liver. We also aimed to verify the association of lipid and collagen fiber deposits with gender, age and body mass index, and to relate alcoholism, liver cirrhosis and atherosclerosis. Method: We performed a study based on autopsy reports of patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with analysis of aorta and liver fragments to verify the occurrence and degree of atherosclerosis, as well as collagen contents. Results: Microscopic atherosclerosis was higher in young subjects (early injury) and in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The macroscopic analysis of atherosclerosis in aortas showed that patients in more advanced age groups presented more severe classifications. Atherosclerosis, both micro and macroscopically, and the percentage of fibrosis in the liver and aorta were more expressive in females. Conclusion: Cirrhotic patients presented a higher percentage of fibrosis and lipidosis, and may represent a group susceptible to the accelerated progression of cardiovascular diseases. Investigative studies contribute to targeting health-promoting interventions, reducing the mortality and costs of treating cardiovascular disease.

scholarly journals Sweat the Fall Stuff: Physical Activity Moderates the Association of White Matter Hyperintensities With Falls Risk in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel A. Crockett ◽  
Ryan. S. Falck ◽  
Elizabeth Dao ◽  
Chun Liang Hsu ◽  
Roger Tam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
White Matter ◽  
White Matter Hyperintensities ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Experienced Radiologist

Background: Falls in older adults are a major public health problem. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are highly prevalent in older adults and are a risk factor for falls. In the absence of a cure for WMHs, identifying potential strategies to counteract the risk of WMHs on falls are of great importance. Physical activity (PA) is a promising countermeasure to reduce both WMHs and falls risk. However, no study has yet investigated whether PA attenuates the association of WMHs with falls risk. We hypothesized that PA moderates the association between WMHs and falls risk.Methods: Seventy-six community-dwelling older adults aged 70–80 years old were included in this cross-sectional study. We indexed PA using the Physical Activity Score for the Elderly (PASE) Questionnaire. Falls risk was assessed using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), and WMH volume (mm3) was determined by an experienced radiologist on T2-weighted and PD-weighted MRI scans. We first examined the independent associations of WMH volume and PASE score with PPA. Subsequently, we examined whether PASE moderated the relationship between WMH volume and PPA. We plotted simple slopes to interpret the interaction effects. Age, sex, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score were included as covariates in all models.Results: Participants had a mean age of 74 years (SD = 3 years) and 54 (74%) were female. Forty-nine participants (66%) had a Fazekas score of 1, 19 (26%) had a score of 2, and 6 (8%) a score of 3. Both PASE (β = −0.26 ± 0.11; p = 0.022) and WMH volume (β = 0.23 ± 0.11; p = 0.043) were each independently associated with PPA score. The interaction model indicated that PASE score moderated the association between WMH volume and PPA (β = −0.27 ± 0.12; p = 0.030), whereby higher PASE score attenuated the association between WMHs and falls risk.Conclusion: PA is an important moderator of falls risk. Importantly, older adults with WMH can reduce their risk of falls by increasing their PA.

scholarly journals Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in Adults and Older Adults from Amazonas, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1303
Author(s):  
Élvio Rúbio Gouveia ◽  
Bruna R. Gouveia ◽  
Adilson Marques ◽  
Miguel Peralta ◽  
Cíntia França ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional

Metabolic syndrome has been considered a factor of vulnerability and a major public health problem because it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The present study from Amazonas, Brazil aimed to estimate the prevalence of the individual and general components of metabolic syndrome in adults and older adults and identify the independent predictors of metabolic syndrome. The sample of the present cross-sectional study comprised 942 participants (590 women), with a mean age of 59.8 ± 19.7 (range: 17.5 to 91.8). Blood pressure in men (62.5%), abdominal obesity in women (67.3%), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in both (52.2% in men and 65.0% in women) were the most prevalent individual risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Women had a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity (p < 0.001), low HDL-C (p < 0.001), and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001) than men; however, opposite results were seen in men for blood pressure (p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 47.5%. Advanced age, being female, having a higher body mass index, and a having lower educational level independently increased the odds of metabolic syndrome. Due to the association of metabolic syndrome with deterioration of health status and increased vulnerability, this study sustains the need for early public health interventions in the Amazonas region.

scholarly journals Prevalence of dementia in Latin America: a collaborative study of population-based cohorts

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 622-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Nitrini ◽  
Cássio M. C. Bottino ◽  
Cecilia Albala ◽  
Nilton Santos Custodio Capuñay ◽  
Carlos Ketzoian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Global Prevalence ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Prevalence Of Dementia

ABSTRACTBackground: Dementia is becoming a major public health problem in Latin America (LA), yet epidemiological information on dementia remains scarce in this region. This study analyzes data from epidemiological studies on the prevalence of dementia in LA and compares the prevalence of dementia and its causes across countries in LA and attempts to clarify differences from those of developed regions of the world.Methods: A database search for population studies on rates of dementia in LA was performed. Abstracts were also included in the search. Authors of the publications were invited to participate in this collaborative study by sharing missing or more recent data analysis with the group.Results: Eight studies from six countries were included. The global prevalence of dementia in the elderly (≥65 years) was 7.1% (95% CI: 6.8–7.4), mirroring the rates of developed countries. However, prevalence in relatively young subjects (65–69 years) was higher in LA studies The rate of illiteracy among the elderly was 9.3% and the prevalence of dementia in illiterates was two times higher than in literates. Alzheimer's disease was the most common cause of dementia.Conclusions: Compared with studies from developed countries, the global prevalence of dementia in LA proved similar, although a higher prevalence of dementia in relatively young subjects was evidenced, which may be related to the association between low educational level and lower cognitive reserve, causing earlier emergence of clinical signs of dementia in the LA elderly population.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of motivational interviewing in smoking groups in primary healthcare: a community-based randomized cluster trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Melnick ◽  
Claunara Schilling Mendonça ◽  
Elisabeth Meyer ◽  
Daniel Demétrio Faustino-Silva
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Community Based

Smoking is the main cause of avoidable death and a major public health problem worldwide, with primary healthcare being a strategic setting for treating this problem. Aims: to evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing associated with the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in smoking groups in primary healthcare. A community-based cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted in Brazil, starting in July 2016. Professionals in the test group were trained in motivational interviewing for eight hours to associate it with the CBT. The usual treatment for smoking cessation in groups consists of four structured weekly sessions of 90 minutes each using a CBT. Taylor’s linearization was used to correct the p-values; the chi-square test with Pearson correlation was used for categorical variables, and analysis of variance as well as the Student t-test were used for continuous variables. In total, 44 smoking groups were conducted, totaling 329 patients (178 in the motivational interviewing group and 151 in the control group). The smoking cessation rate with motivational interviewing was 61.8%, with RR = 1.25 (95%CI: 1.01-1.54, p = 0.043), and 47.7% in the control group, in the fourth weekly group treatment session. Mean session attendance was 3.1 (95%CI: 2.9-3.3) in the motivational interviewing group and 2.9 (95%CI: 2.5-3.4) in the control group. The completion rate for the motivational interviewing group was 65.2% and for the control group, 57.6%. Motivational interviewing associated with the CBT was shown to be effective and superior to only CBT to smoking cessation in groups in the fourth weekly session and for the population profile of the study (women with an average age of 50.6 years).

scholarly journals A critical review on vrischika visha W.S.R. to keraliya visha chikitsa

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1162-1167
Author(s):  
Shanti R Nair ◽  
Suwarna Meshram ◽  
Prasanth R Krishnan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Scorpion Sting ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Scorpion Stings ◽  
Specific Symptoms

Scorpion stings are major public health problem especially in rural parts of India. Envenomation from Scorpions if estimating on yearly basis it is about 12 lakh people per year and is responsible for nearly about 3250 deaths. There are about 1400 species of scorpions identified worldwide out of this only 53 are reported to be dangerous to humans, In India we have identified around 86 species. Poison due to insect bite is common and can be accompanied with a variety of symptoms ranging from simple itching to life threatening situations. Many may go through minor problems like swelling, tingling or numbness due to the sting. Scorpion sting usually results in severe symptoms, as its venom is more potent. Young children and older adults may require immediate treatment. Vrischikadamsha is such a specific envenomation that requires medical attention. There are ample references treatment modalities and medicines in Keraleeyavisha chikitsa granthas and ayurvedic classics which are described for managing vrischikavisha. Many of the keraliyavishagrantha are written in Malayalam hence there is a need to explore and bring out the remedies. So in this article a humble effort is made to bring out the different vrischika and treatment modalities described in keraleeyagrandhas along with the specific symptoms.

scholarly journals EHEALTH ON FRAILTY: FRAILSURVEY, A RELIABLE SMARTPHONE APPLICATION FOR SELF-ASSESSMENT OF FRAILTY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S336-S336
Author(s):  
Luís Midão ◽  
Carla Sá ◽  
Elisa Marques ◽  
Mafalda Duarte ◽  
Constança Paúl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Frailty Assessment

Abstract Frailty is a clinical syndrome whose signs and symptoms are predictors of health complications, making this a major public health problem. FRAILSURVEY, which was considered a good practice by several entities, is a smartphone application that allows an easy assessment of frailty, available in Portuguese, English and Italian, on both iOS and Android stores. Smartphone-based assessment has been proven to be a useful diagnostic tool for patients, although few applications have demonstrated reliability. With this work we aimed to test the reliability of FRAILSURVEY as a tool to assess frailty, and to study people’s preference on which way to assess frailty. FRAILSURVEY is a questionnaire that comprises two sets of questions: 19 about sociodemographic data, social resources, self-perception of health, nutrition, medication, psycho-social and cognitive status, and time occupation, plus a set of 15 used to assess frailty status, the Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI). Including 427 older adults in this study, a randomized repeated measures crossover design was employed using the FRAILSURVEY questionnaire both in paper and in application, with a week of interval to reduce carryover effects. Reliability was assessed through the GFI scores obtained by the same person between the paper and application. There were no significant differences between the results on frailty assessment using the questionnaire on both paper and application. A significant correlation was noted in the total group (ICC=.794, P&lt;0.01). Our work shows that FRAILSURVEY is a reliable mobile application for frailty assessment, that can be used by older adults, caregivers, and health professionals.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document