Centella asiaticaImproves Physical Performance and Health-Related Quality of Life in Healthy Elderly Volunteer

Recently, oxidative stress has been reported to contribute an important role in the decline of physical function as age advances. Numerous antioxidants can improve both physical and psychological performances resulting in the increase of health-related quality of life (HQOL). Therefore, we hypothesized thatCentella asiatica, a medicinal plant reputed for nerve tonic, strength improvement and antioxidant activity, could improve the physical performance and HQOL especially in the physical satisfaction aspect, of the healthy elderly volunteer. To test this hypothesis, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was performed. Eighty healthy elderly were randomly assigned to receive placebo or standardized extract ofC. asiaticaat doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg once daily for 90 days. The subjects were evaluated to establish baseline data of physical performance using 30-s chair stand test, hand grip test and 6-min walk test. The health-related quality of life was assessed using SF-36. These assessments were repeated every month throughout the 3-month experimental period using the aforementioned parameters. Moreover, 1 month after the cessation ofC. asiaticatreatment, all subjects were also evaluated using these parameters again. The results showed that after 2 months of treatment,C. asiaticaat doses of 500 and 750 mg per day increased lower extremity strength assessed via the 30-s chair stand test. In addition, the higher doses ofC. asiaticacould improve the life satisfaction subscale within the physical function subscale. Therefore, the results from this study appear to support the traditional reputation ofC. asiaticaon strength improvement, especially in the lower extremities of the elderly.C. asiaticaalso possesses the potential to be a natural resource for vigor and strength increase, in healthy elderly persons. However, further research is essential.

A Comparison of Preschool and Elderly Community Integration/Demonstration Projects at the University of Missouri Institute for Human Development

This article reviews two community integration projects at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development which illustrate model development across the life-span. The preschool project is aimed at successfully mainstreaming preschoolers who are handicapped with their nonhandicapped peers through the use of trained volunteers. The elderly project is directed at increasing community integration of elderly persons with developmental disabilities by using nonhandicapped elderly volunteer companions. A description of each project, including project goals, methods, and preliminary results is provided to develop a frame of reference for a comparative discussion of the strengths, weaknesses, and outcomes in these community-based demonstration projects. Three common variables are discussed: use of trained volunteers, changes in attitudes and knowledge by nonhandicapped volunteers, and measured outcomes for clients. The costs and benefits of model development are summarized.