Robottien, virtuaalitodellisuuden ja lisätyn todellisuuden vaikuttavuus ja merkityksellisyys lääkinnällisessä kuntoutuksessa : Järjestelmälliset kirjallisuuskatsaukset

Tutkimuksessa selvitettiin robottien, virtuaalitodellisuuden tai lisätyn todellisuuden avulla toteutetun lääkinnällisen kuntoutuksen vaikuttavuutta ja merkityksellisyyttä kuuden järjestelmällisen kirjallisuuskatsauksen, näytönastekatsausten ja laadullisen tutkimusnäytön yhteenvedon avulla. Kirjallisuushaut toteutettiin Ovid MEDLINE-, Cinahl-, PsycINFO- ja ERIC-tietokannoista. Määrällisistä tutkimuksista mukaan valittiin järjestelmälliset katsaukset ja satunnaistetut kontrolloidut tutkimukset (RCT), joihin osallistui lääkinnällisen kuntoutuksen tarpeessa olevia henkilöitä, interventiona oli kyseisiä teknologioita hyödyntävä kuntoutus ja tulosmuuttujina toimintakyky, elämänlaatu, fyysinen tai psyykkinen hyvinvointi, avuntarve tai työkyky. Laadullisiin tutkimuksiin osallistui kuntoutujia, heidän läheisiään tai kuntoutusammattilaisia, kiinnostuksen kohteena olivat kokemukset tai käsitykset ja kontekstina kuntoutus, jossa hyödynnettiin kyseisiä teknologioita. Katsaukset arvioitiin AMSTAR2-, RCT-tutkimukset Cochrane Risk of Bias 2- ja laadulliset tutkimukset Joanna Briggs -instituutin kriteereillä. Vaikuttavuusnäyttöä arvioitiin ensisijaisesti aiempien katsausten perusteella hyödyntäen GRADE-arviointia sekä Hoitosuositustyöryhmien periaatteita. Laadullisten tutkimusten aineisto luokiteltiin aineistolähtöisesti kuvaamaan merkityksellisyyttä kyseisten teknologioiden käytöstä kuntoutuksessa. Robottiavusteinen ja virtuaalitodellisuutta hyödyntävä kuntoutus ovat pääasiassa yhtä vaikuttavia ja joissakin kuntoutujaryhmissä vaikuttavampia kuin tavanomainen harjoittelu tai muu kuntoutus. Yleistettävyyttä heikentää RCT-tutkimusten heterogeenisyys. Näyttö painottuu neurologisten kuntoutujien liikunnalliseen harjoitteluun. Näytönaste on kohtalainen tai heikko. Teknologian nähtiin täydentävän perinteisiä kuntoutusmenetelmiä ja sillä koettiin olevan kuntoutujalle merkityksellisiä fyysisiä ja psykososiaalisia hyötyjä. Kokemuksissa oli kuitenkin laajaa variaatiota. Suunnittelussa ja käyttöönotossa tulisi kuntoutujan olla keskiössä ja ammattilaisten osaaminen varmistaa.45,00 euroapeerReviewedVertaisarvioit

Gait Features in Different Environments Contributing to Participation in Outdoor Activities in Old Age (GaitAge): Protocol for an Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The ability to walk is a key issue for independent old age. Optimizing older peoples’ opportunities for an autonomous and active life and reducing health disparities requires a better understanding of how to support independent mobility in older people. With increasing age, changes in gait parameters such as step length and cadence are common and have been shown to increase the risk of mobility decline. However, gait assessments are typically based on laboratory measures, even though walking in a laboratory environment may be significantly different from walking in outdoor environments. Objective: This project will study alterations in biomechanical features of gait by comparing walking on a treadmill in a laboratory, level outdoor, and hilly outdoor environments. In addition, we will study the possible contribution of changes in gait between these environments to outdoor mobility among older people. Methods: Participants of the study were recruited through senior organizations of Central Finland and the University of the Third Age, Jyväskylä. Inclusion criteria were community-dwelling, aged 70 years and older, able to walk at least 1 km without assistive devices, able to communicate, and living in central Finland. Exclusion criteria were the use of mobility devices, severe sensory deficit (vision and hearing), memory impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination ≤23), and neurological conditions (eg, stroke, Parkinson disease, and multiple sclerosis). The study protocol included 2 research visits. First, indoor measurements were conducted, including interviews (participation, health, and demographics), physical performance tests (short physical performance battery and Timed Up and Go), and motion analysis on a treadmill in the laboratory (3D Vicon and next-generation inertial measurement units [NGIMUs]). Second, outdoor walking tests were conducted, including walking on level (sports track) and hilly (uphill and downhill) terrain, while movement was monitored via NGIMUs, pressure insoles, heart rate, and video data. Results: A total of 40 people (n=26, 65% women; mean age 76.3, SD 5.45 years) met the inclusion criteria and took part in the study. Data collection took place between May and September 2022. The first result is expected to be published in the spring of 2024. Conclusions: This multidisciplinary study will provide new scientific knowledge about how gait biomechanics are altered in varied environments, and how this influences opportunities to participate in outdoor activities for older people

Effects of a 12-month home-based exercise program on functioning after hip fracture - Secondary analyses of an RCT

Background Long-term functional limitations are common after hip fractures. Exercise may alleviate these negative consequences but there is no consensus on an optimal training program. The objective was to study the effects of a 12-month home-based supervised, progressive exercise program on functioning, physical performance, and physical activity. Methods Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial targeting patients with surgical repair of a hip fracture, aged >= 60 years, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of >= 12. The participants were randomized into Exercise (n = 61) or Usual care (n = 60). Assessments at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months included Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength, and self-reported frequency of sessions of leisure-time physical activity. Analyzed using mixed-effects models. Results Participants' (n = 121) mean age was 81 years (SD 7), and 75% were women. The mean IADL score at baseline was 17.1 (SD 4.5) in the exercise group, and 17.4 (5.1) in the usual care group. The mean SPPB scores were 3.9 (1.6) and 4.2 (1.8), and handgrip strength was 17.7 (8.9) kg and 20.8 (8.0) kg, respectively. The age- and sex-adjusted mean changes in IADL over 12 months were 3.7 (95% CI 2.8-4.7) in the exercise and 2.0 (1.0-3.0) in the usual care group (between-group difference, p = 0.016); changes in SPPB 4.3 (3.6-4.9) and 2.1 (1.5-2.7) (p < 0.001); and changes in handgrip strength 1.2 kg (0.3-2.0) and 1.0 kg (-1.9 to -0.2) (p < 0.001), respectively. We found no between-group differences in changes in the frequency of leisure-time activity sessions. Conclusion A 12-month home-based supervised, progressive exercise program improved functioning and physical performance more than usual care among patients with hip fractures. However, the training did not increase leisure-time physical activity.Peer reviewe

Effects of a home-based, exergaming intervention on physical function and pain after total knee replacement in older adults : a randomised controlled trial

Objectives To investigate the effects of 4 months of customised, home-based exergaming on physical function and pain after total knee replacement (TKR) compared with standard exercise protocol. Methods In this non-blinded randomised controlled trial, 52 individuals aged 60-75 years undergoing TKR were randomised into an exergaming (intervention group, IG) or a standard exercising group (control group, CG). Primary outcomes were physical function and pain measured before and after (2 months and 4 months) surgery using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Secondary outcomes included measures of the Visual Analogue Scale, 10m walking, short physical performance battery, isometric knee extension and flexion force, knee range of movement and satisfaction with the operated knee. Results Improvement in mobility measured by TUG was greater in the IG (n=21) at 2 (p=0.019) and 4 months (p=0.040) than in the CG (n=25). The TUG improved in the IG by -1.9 s (95% CI, -2.9 to -1.0), while it changed by -0.6 s (95% CI -1.4 to 0.3) in the CG. There were no differences between the groups in the OKS or secondary outcomes over 4 months. 100% of patients in the IG and 74% in the CG were satisfied with the operated knee. Conclusion In patients who have undergone TKR, training at home with customised exergames was more effective in mobility and early satisfaction and as effective as standard exercise in pain and other physical functions. In both groups, knee-related function and pain improvement can be considered clinically meaningful. Trial registration number NCT03717727.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Long-term strength and balance training prevents mobility decline among community-dwelling people aged 75 and older

High functional capacity of muscle strength and balance in older persons promotes independent mobility and prevents functional decline below the disability threshold. This dissertation explored the effects of strength and balance training (SBT) as part of a multimodal geriatric intervention on physical functioning and health-related factors associated with training participation in a community-dwelling population aged 75 years and over. This study is a part of the Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly (GeMS) project conducted from 2004 to 2007 in Kuopio, Finland. Participants were randomized into an intervention (n=339) and control group (n=312). The individualized multimodal intervention was based on comprehensive geriatric assessment, and included physical activity counselling and supervised SBT at the gym once a week for 28 months. Controls took part in the annual assessments but not in the intervention. Measurements of health, muscle strength, balance, and mobility were repeated annually. In total, 54% of the intervention group participants started SBT. These SBT adopters (n=182) were younger and had better cognitive status and physical functioning than non-adopters (n=157). Long-term adherence to group-based training was possible for the older adults, despite hospital admissions, comorbidities and functional impairments. Adherence to SBT was 55% (SD 29, range 1-99%) and better physical functioning predicted higher adherence. Training adopters improved their muscle strength and mobility, and maintained their performance in balance. Among the non-adopters, who received physical activity counselling, muscle strength declined, while their balance and mobility performance remained unchanged during the intervention. Controls showed a decline in all the tested parameters. In addition, poor functional vision was related to weaker balance and poorer mobility performance. In conclusion, the results indicate that supervised strength and balance training is an important component of a comprehensive geriatric intervention to maintain independent mobility

Long-term strength and balance training in prevention of decline in muscle strength and mobility in older adults

Background. Reductions in muscle strength and poor balance may lead to mobility limitations in older age. Aims. We assessed the effects of long-term once-weekly strength and balance training (SBT) on muscle strength and physical functioning in a community-based sample of older adults. Methods. 182 individuals [130 women and 52 men, mean age 80 (SD ± 3.9) years] underwent supervised SBT as part of the Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly study. Training was offered once a week for 2.3 years. Isometric knee extension and flexion strength, chair rise, maximal walking speed, timed up and go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were measured at baseline, after 2-year training and at post intervention follow-up. A linear mixed model was used to examine the change in physical functioning over time. Results. During the intervention, both women (2.5 s, p < 0.001) and men (1.4 s, p = 0.013) improved their chair rise capacity. Women’s knee extension and flexion strength improved by 14.1 N (p = 0.003) and 16.3 N (p < 0.001), respectively. Their maximal walking speed also improved by 0.08 m/s (p < 0.001). In men, no changes in muscle strength or walking speed occurred during training or follow-up. No changes in BBS and TUG were observed at the end of the intervention, but decrease in BBS was observed at post-intervention follow-up in men. Conclusions. In community-dwelling older adults with variety in health and functioning supervised strength and balance training once a week may help to prevent age-related decline in mobility and muscle strength.peerReviewe

Health and physical function predicting strength and balance training adoption: a community-based study among individuals aged 75 and older

This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of health and physical function that are associated with not starting strength and balance training (SBT). The study population consisted of 339 community-dwelling individuals (75–98 years, 72% female). As part of a population-based intervention study they received comprehensive geriatric assessment, physical activity counseling, and had the opportunity to take part in SBT at the gym once a week. Compared with the SBT-adopters, the nonadopters (n = 157, 46%) were older and less physically active, had more comorbidities and lower cognitive abilities, more often had sedative load of drugs or were at the risk of malnutrition, had lower grip strength and more instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) difficulties, and displayed weaker performance in Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go assessments. In multivariate models, higher age, impaired cognition, and lower grip strength were independently associated with nonadoption. In the future, more individually-tailored interventions are needed to overcome the factors that prevent exercise initiation.peerReviewe

Digital Rehabilitation Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: Protocol for a Scoping Review

BackgroundEstimations show that at least one in every 3 people in the world needs rehabilitation at some point in the course of their illness or injury. Access to rehabilitation services is an essential part of the continuum of care and is integral to achieving universal health coverage. However, most of the world’s population living in low- and middle-income countries, especially in the sub-Saharan African region, does not have access to adequate rehabilitation services. Wider adoption of digital solutions offers opportunities to support and enhance access to rehabilitation services in sub-Saharan Africa. A region where there is a greater burden and need for these services. There is also little published research about digital rehabilitation in sub-Saharan Africa, as it is an underexamined topic in the region. ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the current evidence of digital interventions in rehabilitation implemented in any health, social, educational, or community setting in the sub-Saharan Africa region. MethodsWe will conduct a scoping review using Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. We will develop search strategies for a selected number of web-based databases, search for peer-reviewed scientific publications until September 2023, and screen the reference lists of relevant articles. We will include research articles if they describe or report the use of digital interventions in the rehabilitation of patients with any health problem or disability in sub-Saharan Africa. For selected articles, we will extract data using a customized data extraction form and use thematic analysis to compare the findings across studies. ResultsThe preliminary database search in MEDLINE (EBSCO) was completed in May 2023. The research team will conduct a search of relevant articles in the autumn. The results will be synthesized and reported under the key conceptual categories of this review, and we expect the final scoping review to be ready for submission in early 2024. ConclusionsWe expect to find gaps in the research and a lack of detailed information about digital rehabilitation interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as potential areas for further study. We will identify opportunities to inform the development of digital rehabilitation interventions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/4895