Telemonitoring patients with chronic diseases in primary care. Conjunction of a randomized controlled trial (TELBIL study) with a realistic clinical application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in primary care

BACKGROUND Although the elderly have more time and exercise opportunities compared to other age groups, they tend to be inactive and passive towards exercise, resulting in low actual exercise rates. Furthermore, simple repetitive exercise programs fail to engage the elderly to continuously exercise because these programs do not induce their interest or meet their expectations. Meanwhile, information and communication technology (ICT)-based training devices for elderly care related to dementia are being developed to enhance the cognitive functions of elder adults. For elder adults who require bicycle training devices can not only improve muscle strength and balance of lower limbs by continuously contracting and relaxing lower-limb muscles but also improve cognitive function to help prevent dementia. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an information and communication technology (ICT)-based multi-cognition program on body composition and cognitive function in elder adults. METHODS In a randomized controlled intervention test on 20 people over the age of 60 (exercise group: n = 10; control: n = 10), the multi-cognition program was applied on the exercise group twice per week, once per day for 12 weeks, at 30 min per session, whereas the control group was advised to maintain their usual daily activities. RESULTS A comparison of changes in body composition and cognitive function before and after intervention exhibited statistically significant differences in skeletal muscle mass (P=.01) and modified Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale–cognitive score (P=.01) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS It can be difficult to be engaged in a simple repetitive exercise program. Therefore, to meet the interest and expectations of elder adults, a customized ICT-based multi-cognition program, which can improve body composition and cognitive function in elder adults and is believed to be helpful in the prevention of dementia, is recommended. CLINICALTRIAL UMIN000042129

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Herbal treatment with Uva Ursi extract versus fosfomycin in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection in primary care: A randomized controlled trial

Clinical Microbiology and Infection ◽

10.1016/j.cmi.2021.05.032 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ildikó Gágyor ◽

Eva Hummers ◽

Guido Schmiemann ◽

Tim Friede ◽

Sebastian Pfeiffer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Urinary Tract Infection ◽

Urinary Tract ◽

Tract Infection ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection ◽

Herbal Treatment ◽

Randomized Controlled

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Long-Term Effects on Loneliness of a Computer-Tailored Intervention for Older Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/08982643211015027 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089826432110150

Author(s):

Janet M. Boekhout ◽

Esmee Volders ◽

Catherine A. W. Bolman ◽

Renate H. M. de Groot ◽

Lilian Lechner

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Social Activity ◽

Time Frame ◽

Future Research ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Social Loneliness

Objectives: This study explores the effects of the Active Plus intervention aiming to decrease loneliness among older adults (>65 years) with chronic diseases. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed (N = 585; age: M = 74.5 years, SD = 6.4), assessing loneliness at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Outcome measures in the multilevel linear regression analyses were total, social and emotional loneliness. Results: At 12 months, significant decreases in total ( B = −.37, p = .01) and social loneliness ( B = −.24, p = .02) were found. Age was a significant moderator for total and social loneliness; however, the intervention was effective only for participants aged 80 years and older. Discussion: The Active Plus intervention showed a significant decrease in total and social loneliness and was especially beneficial for the vulnerable age group of 80 years and older. A more comprehensive tool for measuring social activity and mobility impairments, and using a longer time frame to detect loneliness changes, may form interesting future research.

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