1
|
de Lima ML, de Oliveira AA, Carneiro MAS, Silva SHA, de Queiroz Freitas AC, de Souza LRMF, Nomelini RS, Souza MVC, de Oliveira Assumpção C, Orsatti FL. Intramuscular adipose tissue, muscle area, and power as predictors of performance in breast cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:380. [PMID: 38789606 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08595-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The decline in physical performance, assessed by physical tests such as the timed up and go (TUG) test, is a consequence of reduced physiological reserves at higher levels of a hierarchical process. This occurs due to changes in muscle architecture, including atrophy and fat infiltration into the muscles, which in turn lead to changes in muscle function, resulting in reduced muscle strength and power and, consequently, affecting physical performance. This study investigated predictive factors for physical performance in breast cancer survivor (BCS), focusing on intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), quadríceps muscle area (QMA), and muscular power. METHODS This observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study included 23 women without a history of cancer (age, 58.5 ± 8.3 years; BMI, 27.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2) and 56 BCS (age, 58.5 ± 8.3 years; BMI, 27.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2). QMA and IMAT were assessed using computed tomography images. Muscular power and physical performance were measured using the 5-repetition sit-to-stand and TUG tests, respectively. RESULTS IMAT (r = 0.4, P < 0.01) and muscular power (r = - 0.4, P < 0.01) were associated with TUG performance in BCS, whereas QMA (r = - 0.22, P = 0.10) showed no significant association. QMA (r = 0.55, P < 0.01) was associated with muscular power, while no significant association was found between IMAT and muscular power (r = - 0.05, P = 0.73). Age explained 19% (P < 0.01) of TUG performance variability. Adding muscular power increased explanatory power by 12% (P < 0.01), and including IMAT further increased it by 7% (P = 0.02) for TUG performance. Collectively, age, muscular power, and IMAT accounted for 38% of the performance variance in the TUG test (age, B = 0.06, P = 0.043; muscular power, B = - 0.01, P = 0.002; IMAT, B = - 0.05, P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that IMAT and muscular power predict the physical performance of BCS, while QMA does not have the same predictive capability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Luíza de Lima
- Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Exercise Research Group (PhyNER), Exercise Biology Research Lab (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Avenida Tutunas, 490, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38061-500, Brazil
| | - Anselmo Alves de Oliveira
- Department of Physical Education, University Center of the Plateau of Araxá, Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A S Carneiro
- Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Exercise Research Group (PhyNER), Exercise Biology Research Lab (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Avenida Tutunas, 490, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38061-500, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Henrique Assis Silva
- Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Exercise Research Group (PhyNER), Exercise Biology Research Lab (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Avenida Tutunas, 490, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38061-500, Brazil
| | - Augusto Corrêa de Queiroz Freitas
- Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Exercise Research Group (PhyNER), Exercise Biology Research Lab (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Avenida Tutunas, 490, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38061-500, Brazil
| | | | - Rosekeila Simões Nomelini
- Department of Ginecology and Obstetrics, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Markus Vinícius Campos Souza
- Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Exercise Research Group (PhyNER), Exercise Biology Research Lab (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Avenida Tutunas, 490, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38061-500, Brazil
- Department of Sport Science, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Cláudio de Oliveira Assumpção
- Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Exercise Research Group (PhyNER), Exercise Biology Research Lab (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Avenida Tutunas, 490, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38061-500, Brazil
- Department of Sport Science, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fábio Lera Orsatti
- Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Exercise Research Group (PhyNER), Exercise Biology Research Lab (BioEx), Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Avenida Tutunas, 490, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38061-500, Brazil.
- Department of Sport Science, Health Science Institute, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lamoureux NR, Lansing J, Welk GJ. An observational pilot evaluation of the Walk with Ease program for reducing fall risk among older adults. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:203. [PMID: 37986196 PMCID: PMC10662528 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01219-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity is an effective method of reducing fall risk among older adults. Previous evaluations of the six-week Walk with Ease (WWE) program have documented benefits to functional outcomes, but the potential effects on reducing fall risk have not been evaluated. This pilot study evaluates outcomes of a community delivered WWE program for potential suitability as a fall risk reduction program. METHODS A total of 59 older adults (age > 60) enrolled in a group version of WWE delivered by trained community-based leaders. Complete data (pre- and post-program) from functional fitness tests and behavioral instruments were obtained from 41 participants (aged 74.4 ± 6.6 years, 70% female). Functional outcomes included the 10-foot timed up and go (TUG), 30-second chair stand (CST) and 4-stage balance test (BT) included as part of STEADI, as well as a two-minute step test (ST) and normal gait speed test (GST). Survey assessments included STEADI fall risk screening, self-reported physical activity, and fear of falling measures. Analyses focused on reporting pre-post effect sizes, but paired t-tests were used to test statistical significance of differences. RESULTS Improvements in functional performance approached significance for both CST (d = 0.31, p = 0.06) and ST (d = 0.26, p = 0.12), but all other tests were nonsignificant. Survey results demonstrated significant increases in self-reported walking (d = 0.54, p = 0.02) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; d = 0.56, p = 0.004), but perceived fear of falling and overall fall risk scores had smaller, non-significant, effects (d ranging from 0.01 to 0.31). Stratified analysis suggested that participants screened at an elevated risk for falls at baseline consistently had larger effects on all functional and survey assessments, though the analysis was underpowered to test significance. CONCLUSIONS Walk with Ease participation significantly increased self-reported physical activity but did not significantly improve physical function or reduce fall risk. However, consistently larger effect sizes among participants screened as at-risk for falls suggest that the program may be beneficial for those with elevated risk for falls or functional limitations. Further research is needed to document the consistency of these effects among participants with elevated fall risk status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Lamoureux
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Cushing Coliseum W220, 1410W 26th St, Kearney, NE, 68849, USA.
| | - Jeni Lansing
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Gregory J Welk
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sadeh S, Gobert D, Shen KH, Foroughi F, Hsiao HY. Biomechanical and neuromuscular control characteristics of sit-to-stand transfer in young and older adults: A systematic review with implications for balance regulation mechanisms. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2023; 109:106068. [PMID: 37639862 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.106068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls are major health concerns in older adults. Sit-to-stand transfer is an important functional movement that can predict falling risk in older adults. Aging-associated declines in neuromechanical control of movement may negatively impact sit-to-stand performance. This systematic review aims to summarize differences in neuromechanical characteristics of younger vs. older adults that likely affect balance regulation during sit-to-stand. METHODS Five databases (Academic search complete, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Pubmed, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched from January 1985 through March 2023. Three reviewers assessed the quality of methodology, study design, results, and risk of bias using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. Studies reported neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristics during sit-to-stand in young versus older adults were included. FINDINGS Seventeen studies (343 older and 225 younger adults) were included. Compared to younger adults, older adults showed slower sit-to-stand time, higher trunk flexion, postural sway, agonist-antagonist muscle co-activation of the ankle and knee muscles, and lower ankle dorsiflexion torque. Lower magnitude and rate of vertical ground reaction force development and lower vertical momentum during rising were observed with aging during fast-speed sit-to-stand. There was heterogeneity among studies on sit-to-stand speed, foot position, use of arms, and seat height adjustability. INTERPRETATIONS Higher trunk angular displacement and velocity accompanied by higher anterior momentum, likely to compensate for knee extensor muscle weaknesses, may lead to higher postural sway upon standing and therefore require higher knee and ankle muscle co-activation to maintain balance stability. Thus, additional attention to trunk control strategies is needed during clinical evaluations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soroosh Sadeh
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Denise Gobert
- Department of Physical Therapy, Texas State University, Round Rock, TX, USA.
| | - Keng-Hung Shen
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Forouzan Foroughi
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Hao-Yuan Hsiao
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao Y, Yu L, Fan X, Pang MYC, Tsui KL, Wang H. Design of a Sensor-Technology-Augmented Gait and Balance Monitoring System for Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Hong Kong: A Pilot Feasibility Study. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8008. [PMID: 37766060 PMCID: PMC10535689 DOI: 10.3390/s23188008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Routine assessments of gait and balance have been recognized as an effective approach for preventing falls by issuing early warnings and implementing appropriate interventions. However, current limited public healthcare resources cannot meet the demand for continuous monitoring of deteriorations in gait and balance. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a prototype surrogate system driven by sensor technology and multi-sourced heterogeneous data analytics, for gait and balance assessment and monitoring. The system was designed to analyze users' multi-mode data streams collected via inertial sensors and a depth camera while performing a 3-m timed up and go test, a five-times-sit-to-stand test, and a Romberg test, for predicting scores on clinical measurements by physiotherapists. Generalized regression of sensor data was conducted to build prediction models for gait and balance estimations. Demographic correlations with user acceptance behaviors were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. Forty-four older adults (38 females) were recruited in this pilot study (mean age = 78.5 years, standard deviation [SD] = 6.2 years). The participants perceived that using the system for their gait and balance monitoring was a good idea (mean = 5.45, SD = 0.76) and easy (mean = 4.95, SD = 1.09), and that the system is useful in improving their health (mean = 5.32, SD = 0.83), is trustworthy (mean = 5.04, SD = 0.88), and has a good fit between task and technology (mean = 4.97, SD = 0.84). In general, the participants showed a positive intention to use the proposed system in their gait and balance management (mean = 5.22, SD = 1.10). Demographic correlations with user acceptance are discussed. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of using a sensor-technology-augmented system to manage the gait and balance of community-dwelling older adults. The intervention is validated as being acceptable, viable, and valuable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China;
| | - Lisha Yu
- School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Xiaomao Fan
- College of Big Data and Internet, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518000, China;
| | - Marco Y. C. Pang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Kwok-Leung Tsui
- Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
| | - Hailiang Wang
- School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Moustris G, Kardaris N, Tsiami A, Chalvatzaki G, Koutras P, Dometios A, Oikonomou P, Tzafestas C, Maragos P, Efthimiou E, Papageorgiou X, Fotinea SE, Koumpouros Y, Vacalopoulou A, Papageorgiou E, Karavasili A, Koureta F, Dimou D, Nikolakakis A, Karaiskos K, Mavridis P. The i-Walk Lightweight Assistive Rollator: First Evaluation Study. Front Robot AI 2021; 8:677542. [PMID: 34604315 PMCID: PMC8483242 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.677542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Robots can play a significant role as assistive devices for people with movement impairment and mild cognitive deficit. In this paper we present an overview of the lightweight i-Walk intelligent robotic rollator, which offers cognitive and mobility assistance to the elderly and to people with light to moderate mobility impairment. The utility, usability, safety and technical performance of the device is investigated through a clinical study, which took place at a rehabilitation center in Greece involving real patients with mild to moderate cognitive and mobility impairment. This first evaluation study comprised a set of scenarios in a number of pre-defined use cases, including physical rehabilitation exercises, as well as mobility and ambulation involved in typical daily living activities of the patients. The design and implementation of this study is discussed in detail, along with the obtained results, which include both an objective and a subjective evaluation of the system operation, based on a set of technical performance measures and a validated questionnaire for the analysis of qualitative data, respectively. The study shows that the technical modules performed satisfactory under real conditions, and that the users generally hold very positive views of the platform, considering it safe and reliable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Moustris
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kardaris
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Antigoni Tsiami
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Chalvatzaki
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Koutras
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Dometios
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Paris Oikonomou
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Costas Tzafestas
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Maragos
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Efthimiou
- Embodied Interaction and Robotics Department, Institute for Language and Speech Processing, ATHENA RC, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Xanthi Papageorgiou
- Embodied Interaction and Robotics Department, Institute for Language and Speech Processing, ATHENA RC, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Stavroula-Evita Fotinea
- Embodied Interaction and Robotics Department, Institute for Language and Speech Processing, ATHENA RC, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Yiannis Koumpouros
- Embodied Interaction and Robotics Department, Institute for Language and Speech Processing, ATHENA RC, Maroussi, Greece
- University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Vacalopoulou
- Embodied Interaction and Robotics Department, Institute for Language and Speech Processing, ATHENA RC, Maroussi, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Khalil H, Rehan R, Al-Sharman A, El-Salem K. The clinical correlates of the chair sit to stand performance in people with multiple sclerosis. Physiother Theory Pract 2021; 38:2884-2895. [PMID: 34156901 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2021.1931590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the motor and non-motor factors associated with sit-to-stand performance in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Subjects: A total of 88 individuals with MS participated in this study. Main Measures: Standing performance was measured using the five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSTS). The Berg Balance Scale to assess balance, the 10-Meter Walking Test (10-MWT) was used to assess walking speed; the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) was used to assess disability level. Furthermore, Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) was used to assess cognitive status, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) to assess depression and anxiety, and the Modified Fatigue Impact scale (MFIS) to evaluate fatigue. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between all these variables and the FTSTS. Furthermore, multiple linear regression was conducted to determine predictive factors of the FTSTS. Results: FTSTS score was correlated significantly with BBS, PDDS, BICAMS, 10-MWT and MFIS (r ranged from 0.3 to 0.52; P < .05). However, there was no significant correlation observed between the FTSTS and HADS-depression or HADS-anxiety. Considering the multiple regression analysis, the following factors were significantly predictive of the FTSTS: 10-MWT, MFIS and the BICAMS-z score (R2: 0.433, P < .0001). Conclusion: The study concludes that sit to stand is multifactorial and is potentially associated with walking speed, cognitive function and fatigue. These factors should be considered by healthcare professionals in interpreting the sit-to-stand performance of PwMS and in designing rehabilitation interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Khalil
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Reem Rehan
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Alham Al-Sharman
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalid El-Salem
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Continuous Compared to Accumulated Walking-Training on Physical Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Sedentary Older Persons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176060. [PMID: 32825509 PMCID: PMC7503248 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to analyze the impact of overground walking interval training (WIT) in a group of sedentary older adults, comparing two different dose-distributions. In this quasi-experimental and longitudinal study, we recruited twenty-three sedentary older adults (71.00 ± 4.10 years) who were assigned to two groups of WIT. The continuous group (CWIT) trained for 60 min/session in the morning, while the accumulated group (AWIT) performed the same duration and intensity of exercise, but it was distributed twice a day (30 min in the morning and 30 more in the afternoon). After 15 weeks of an equal external-load training (3 days/week), Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons revealed significant (p < 0.050) and similar large improvements in both groups in cardiorespiratory fitness and lower limb strength; even larger gains in preferred walking speed and instrumental daily life activity, which was slightly superior for CWIT; and improvements in agility, which were moderate for CWIT and large for AWIT. However, none of the training protocols had an impact on the executive function in the individuals, and only the AWIT group improved health-related quality of life. Although both training protocols induced a general significant improvement in physical function in older adults, our results showed that the accumulative strategy should be recommended when health-related quality of life is the main target, and the continuous strategy should be recommended when weakness may be a threat in the short or medium term.
Collapse
|
8
|
Évaluation de Marche vers le futur, un programme novateur de prévention des chutes offert par videoconference. Can J Aging 2018; 37:363-376. [PMID: 30012228 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980818000326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTSeveral fall prevention programs have been implemented to reduce falls among seniors. In some rural areas or in French-speaking minority communities, the availability of such programs is limited. The objectives of this paper are to: (a) describe the Fall Prevention Program Marche vers le futur, offered in French, by videoconference; and (b) present the results of the evaluation of the program objectives. Results demonstrate that participants have improved their physical abilities, gained knowledge, adopted new behaviors and lifestyle habits. In short, Marche vers le futur reduces fall risk factors in a manner equal or superior to other programs. Marche vers le futur has made possible the provision of services in French in communities where availability of French-language resources is very limited, therefore fostering equity in access to health services.
Collapse
|
9
|
Nunan S, Brown Wilson C, Henwood T, Parker D. Fall risk assessment tools for use among older adults in long-term care settings: A systematic review of the literature. Australas J Ageing 2017; 37:23-33. [PMID: 29168303 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of published fall risk assessment tools (FRATs) tested for predictive validity among older adults in long-term care (LTC). METHODS A systematic search was conducted using five databases. Only studies reporting on sensitivity and specificity values, conducted in LTC on populations primarily aged over 60 years, were considered. RESULTS Fifteen papers were included and three different categories of FRATs emerged: multifactorial assessment tools, functional mobility assessments and algorithms. Several FRATs showed moderate-to-good predictive validity and reliability, with the Modified Fall Assessment Tool and the Peninsula Health Falls Risk Assessment Tool (PHFRAT) also demonstrating good feasibility. CONCLUSION Evidence for the best choice of FRAT for use in LTC remains limited. Further research is warranted for the PHFRAT, recommended for use in LTC by best practice guidelines, before its establishment as the tool of choice for these clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Nunan
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christine Brown Wilson
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Timothy Henwood
- AgeFIT Solutions, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,School of Human Movement and Nutritional Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Deborah Parker
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Applied Nursing Research and the Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|