Outcomes of chair based exercise with progressive resistance training on physical performances among older adults: a preliminary study

Enhancement of physical function had been shown in older adults who actively participate in physical activities, particularly in the form of aerobic training with addition of progressive resistance training (PRT). However, it is quite challenging and risky for most older adults to exercise in standing position without any support. Chair Based Exercise (CBE) is an alternative mode of exercise for older adult to facilitate exercise participation and increase safety. Its effect when combined with resistance training is unknown to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of CBE with PRT on physical performances among older adults. A total of 18 older adults (13 females (72%)) and 5 males (28%)), aged 60 to 83 years with mean age (SD) 72.67 (6.17) years completed the study. All subjects performed CBE with PRT intervention twice weekly for 8 weeks, with individually-tailored exercise progressions. Pre and post measurements of physical performance were performed using Six MinutesWalk Test (6MWT), Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSTS) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) test. Significant improvement in 6MWT (p < .001), HGS Right hand (p = .043), HGS Left hand (p < .001), FTSTS (p < .001) was shown after the eight-week intervention. Adding PRT into seated exercises results in further improvement in physical performance of older adults. CBE-PRT may be recommended as an exercise routine for older adults living in the community

Knowledge and Attitude towards Ageing among Health Science University Students

BACKGROUND: Health Science graduates are increasingly in demand for improving and providing life services among the ageing population. Having substantial knowledge and positive attitude towards ageing will be a key step towards better care giving. However, to date there is limited published literature regarding knowledge and attitude towards ageing among health science students in Malaysia. The objective of our study was to assess knowledge and attitudes towards ageing among health science students. METHODOLOGY: A total of 786 (120 male, 666 female) health science undergraduates participated in this study. This cross-sectional study was conducted using Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz I (FAQ I) and Kogan’s Attitudes towards Older People (KAOP) to assess knowledge of ageing and attitudes towards older adults respectively. RESULTS: Majority of students in clinical (69.6%) and non-clinical programmes (65.6%) showed moderate knowledge towards ageing. More than two-third of students in clinical (77.2%) and non-clinical programs (75.8%) demonstrated a slightly positive attitude towards ageing. A significant moderate positive correlation (r=.308, p< 0.05) was found between knowledge of ageing and attitudes towards older adults. Clinical type of programme (t = -1.97, p <0 .05) and Malay ethnicity (t = 2.37, p < 0.001) were significant factors that influenced both knowledge and attitudes towards ageing. CONCLUSION: Health science students demonstrated a moderate knowledge and positive attitude towards ageing. Refining the current geriatric care curriculum with integration of experiential learning may further enhance knowledge and attitude towards ageing in health science students

Knee osteoarthritis and its related issues: patients’ perspective

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint disease that results in pain and disability in many people. Cultural practice may influence patients’ views about their condition, its related issues and management. The aim of our study was to explore the perspective about knee OA and its related issues among Malaysian patients with knee OA. Twelve patients diagnosed with knee OA (8 females and 4 males) attending physiotherapy sessions at a University Hospital, mean age (SD): 67.1(9.4) years and median visual analog scale score of 5/10 participated in this qualitative study. One to one in-depth interviews were conducted, audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Three main themes were identified from the transcribed data; knee pain and its’ related issues (reason and aggravating factors of knee pain, coping strategies), impact of knee pain (impact on daily activities and emotions) and physiotherapy management (effects and expectations of physiotherapy, compliance and adherence towards home exercises). Most participants expressed that their knee pain was aggravated by certain movements that had an effect on their daily activities namely squatting. The findings also suggested that physiotherapy management was perceived as secondary prevention rather than a cure. Findings from this study provides information about the perceptions and related issues of patients with knee OA. This information may help health professionals in tailoring patient-centered care and provide better management

Mobility and fear of falls measuring tools to predict falls risk among Malaysian community dwelling older adults

Falls is a global health issue among older adults. Identifying measuring tools that can predict falls risk among older adults can assist in early falls risk detection and prevention. Best measuring tools that can predict falls risk among Malaysian community dwelling older adults is not known. The objective of our study was to determine if Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale could be used as a falls risk predictor tools among Malaysian community dwelling older adults. Hundred and six (n = 106) community dwelling older adults who were attending Klinik Kesihatan Cheras participated in this cross sectional study. Falls incidence in the past one year was obtained from the participants. TUG test was performed and ABC scale was administered. Data was analysed using binomial logistic regression and receiver operating curves (ROC). The cut off values identified for TUG test and ABC scale were 9.02 seconds (area under the curve, AUC was 0.711; 95% CI 0.577-0.844) and 82.81% (area under the curve, AUC was 0.682; 95% CI 0.562-0.802) respectively. Hence, older adults with a score of above 9.02 seconds for TUG test and a score of below 82.81% for ABC scale were noted to have a higher risk of falls. Results of this study demonstrated that both TUG test (p < 0.001) and ABC scale (p < 0.01) were significant predictors of falls risk. Our study results indicated that both mobility (TUG test) and fear of falls (ABC scale) measuring tools, with the present cut off values can be used to identify community dwelling older adults who are at a higher risk of falls. Identifying older adults with higher risk of falls can assist the health professionals to optimise falls prevention and management approaches

Gender differences in spinal morphological attributes among young adults: a preliminary study

There is limited information regarding gender differences in spinal morphological attributes among healthy young adults although alterations have been reported to influence postural changes, mainly with forward-bending and extension postures. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine gender differences in spinal morphological attributes of lumbar extensor muscles that includes its muscle fibre angles, thickness, endurance and thoracolumbar curvature among young adults. Nineteen male and 26 female healthy young adults (aged 21-24 years) matched for age, body mass index and physical activity levels participated in this preliminary study. Fibre angles and thickness of lumbar extensor muscles were examined using ultrasonography. Lumbar extensor muscle endurance and thoracolumbar curvatures were assessed using Sorenson’s test and a flexible ruler respectively. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference (p < 0.01) between the right and left fibre angles. However, no significant mean difference (p = 0.50) was found between the right and left muscle thickness. Results of independent t-test showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in muscle thickness between males and females. No significant differences were shown in right fibre angle (p = 0.12), left fibre angle (p = 0.89), muscle endurance (p = 0.46), thoracic curvature (p = 0.76) and lumbar curvature (p = 0.06) between genders. There were no gender differences in spinal morphological attributes except for lumbar extensor muscle thickness in young adults age between 21 to 24. This study data may be useful as an initial reference norm of spinal morphological attributes among young adults. Further studies may be required to examine the factors that may influence changes in spinal morphological attributes among healthy adults

Status kesihatan fizikal dalam kalangan warga emas yang menghadiri Klinik Kesihatan Cheras, Malaysia

Kesihatan fizikal yang optimum adalah penting dalam mengekalkan kemandirian di kalangan warga emas. Terdapat maklumat yang terhad mengenai status kesihatan fizikal di kalangan warga emas yang hadir ke klinik kesihatan dalam populasi tempatan. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk menilai kesihatan fizikal di kalangan warga emas yang hadir ke Klinik Kesihatan di Cheras, Malaysia. Kajian keratan rentas ini telah dijalankan di Klinik Kesihatan Cheras yang melibatkan seramai 106 orang peserta (umur purata 68 ± 6.3 tahun). Para peserta telah menjalani satu siri ujian fungsi fizikal. Keputusan kajian menunjukkan bahawa peratusan peserta yang berada di bawah julat normal bagi Ujian 30secs Chair Stand (kekuatan anggota bawah), Ujian Chair Sit and Reach (fleksibiliti anggota bawah), Ujian Back Scratch (fleksibiliti anggota atas), Ujian Timed Up and Go (TUG) (mobiliti berfungsi), Ujian Single Leg Stance (keseimbangan) dan Ujian 2 mins Walk (2MWT) (ketahanan aerobik) masing masing adalah 32%, 18%, 21%, 29%, 22% dan 78%. Keputusan ini menunjukkan bahawa kebanyakan warga emas yang hadir ke klinik kesihatan mempunyai fungsi fizikal yang tidak mencukupi dalam ketahanan aerobik. Para warga emas yang hadir ke klinik kesihatan harus digalakkan untuk menambahbaikkan status kesihatan fizikal mereka, terutamanya pada ketahanan aerobik, untuk mengoptimakan kemandirian fizikal mereka

Perbezaan pencapaian ujian timed up and go dan kelajuan berjalan antara warga emas dengan risiko jatuh tinggi dan rendah

Jatuh merupakan salah satu masalah utama dalam kalangan warga emas yang secara tidak langsung menyumbang kepada kemerosotan kualiti hidup, morbiditi dan kematian. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk mengkaji perbezaan pencapaian ujian Timed Up and Go (TUG) dan kelajuan berjalan dalam kalangan warga emas di komuniti dengan risiko jatuh yang tinggi dan rendah, menggunakan Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA). Kajian keratan rentas ini melibatkan 278 orang warga emas berumur di antara 60-88 tahun dari kelab warga emas di sekitar Lembah Klang. 40.6% warga emas mempunyai risiko jatuh tinggi dan kebanyakkan adalah perempuan (75%). Terdapat perbezaan signifikan (p < 0.001) dalam pencapaian ujian TUG dan kelajuan berjalan antara golongan warga emas yang berisiko jatuh yang tinggi dan rendah. Penurunan mobiliti (masa ujian TUG yang lebih lama) dan peningkatan umur telah dikenal pasti sebagai faktor risiko yang signifikan (p < 0.05) bagi jatuh dalam kajian ini. Nilai rujukan yang diperoleh untuk ujian TUG daripada kajian ini dapat dimanfaatkan untuk mengenal pasti warga emas di komuniti dengan risiko jatuh, pada fasa yang lebih awal serta membolehkan pengelakkan dan pengurusan jatuh