The relationship between risk factors for falling and the quality of life in older adults

BACKGROUND: Falls are one of the major health problems that effect the quality of life among older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between quality of life (Short Form-12) and the risk factors of falls (balance, functional mobility, proprioception, muscle strength, flexibility and fear of falling) in older adults. METHODS: One hundred sixteen people aged 65 or older and living in the T.C. Emekli Sandigi Narlidere nursing home participated in the study. Balance (Berg Balance test), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go), proprioception (joint position sense), muscle strength (back/leg dynamometer), flexibility (sit and reach) and fear of falling (Visual Analogue Scale) were assessed as risk factors for falls. The quality of life was measured by Short Form-12 (SF-12). RESULTS: A strong positive correlation was observed between Physical Health Component Summary of SF-12, General Health Perception and balance, muscle strength. Proprioception and flexibility did not correlated with SF-12 (p > 0.05). There was negative correlation between Physical Health Component Summary of SF-12, General Health Perception and fear of falling, functional mobility (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the risk factors for falls (balance, functional mobility, muscle strength, fear of falling) in older adults are associated with quality of life while flexibility and proprioception are not

The acute effects of in-patient physiotherapy program on functional capacity in type II diabetes mellitus

Purpose: This study was planned to evaluate the acute effects of a short-term in-patient physiotherapy program on functional capacity in hospitalised type II diabetic patients

Evaluation of physical fitness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare functional capacity in 30 Type 2 Diabetic patients with 30 healthy non-diabetic control subjects. Methods: Physical fitness was evaluated using the "EUROFIT Physical Fitness Test Battery". This battery estimates body composition, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal and motor fitness. Results: Percentage of body fat (PBF) was higher in the diabetic compared with control groups (P < 0.05) although body mass index (BMI) was similar. Biceps and suprailiac skinfold thickness were also greater in the diabetic group (P < 0.05). The 6-min walking distance and VO2max were significantly lower in the diabetic group (P < 0.05). The diabetic patients had lower values of the single leg balance test with eyes opened and closed. Jump-stretch, handgrip and side-bending of trunk tests were also lower in the diabetic patients. Conclusion: Physical functional capacity is lower in Type 2 diabetic patients than in age-matched control subjects. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Physical fitness in rural children compared with urban children in Turkey

Background: In a crowded modern world it is vital that the promotion of sport and exercise should be compatible with environmental and public health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the effects of environmental factors, lifestyle and leisure time activities on physical fitness in rural and urban children

Age-related changes in pressure pain threshold, grip strength and touch pressure threshold in upper extremities of older adults.

Background and aims: Hand function weakens with age in both men and women, especially after the age of 65. As the number of older people increases, more older adults may have sensorimotor impairment, which affects upper extremity (UE) performance and thus independence in the activities of daily life. The purpose of this study was to detect and evaluate the impact of age on pressure pain threshold (PPT), touch/pressure threshold and grip strength in the decades after the age of 60. Methods: The study was carried out with the participation of older adults living in the Izmir Geriatric Centre. Older adults were subdivided into three age groups and 128 subjects (47 male, 81 female) were selected systematically as one out of every three individuals in each group (group 1: 60 to 69; group 2: 70 to 79; group 3: 80 or over). Touch/pressure threshold test, pressure pain threshold (PPT) test and grip strength measurement were performed on dominant and non-dominant hands. Results: It was found out that touch/pressure thresholds increased with age, but the change was not statistically significant between the three age groups. PPT and grip strength of dominant and non-dominant hands decreased from groups 1 to 3, but analysis indicated that these declines were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Despite the fact that age-related sensorimotor changes are not statistically significant, a reduction is seen in sensorimotor parameters after the age of 60