Aging clinical and experimental research
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Feasibility of whole-body vibration training in nursing home residents with low physical function: a pilot study.
Whole-body vibration (WBV) training may offer an efficient option to improve physical performance of nursing home residents, but the feasibility of WBV training among frail elderly who require continuous institutional care is still open. ⋯ Frail nursing home residents form not only a potential but also challenging target group for physical rehabilitation with WBV. Side-alternating WBV training performed at low 12 Hz frequency was found generally feasible, whereas higher frequencies appeared formidable. Nevertheless, it is possible that physical performance of some frail elderly without contraindications to WBV can be improved with this type of rapidly executable physical training.
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The underutilization of beneficial cardiovascular medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) in the elderly patients continues to be a matter of concern. The aim of the presented study was to compare the prescription of ACEI and ARB in elderly hypertensive patients at the time of hospital admission and discharge and to identify patient-related factors which determine the prescription of ACEI/ARB. ⋯ Our study has identified a subset of elderly hypertensive patients (with heart failure, atrial fibrillation) in whom the use of ACEI/ARB could be improved.
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Functions of the intestinal mucosal barrier are often impaired in the elderly and are closely associated with many age-related diseases. However, mechanisms by which aging influences intestinal barrier function still remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate age-related changes in small intestinal morphology, bacteria contents and expression of epithelial tight junction (TJ) proteins. ⋯ Our study indicated that age-related intestinal barrier dysfunction may be associated with mucosal atrophy, damages to TJ structure, increased small intestine bacteria counts, and decreased epithelial TJ protein.
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Improving rehabilitation strategies after lower limb fractures among elderly patients is an urgent public health challenge due to the increasing proportion of older population and therefore the raised number of falls and fractures. Due to their strategic positioning, physiatrists should aim not only to improve functional outcomes after acute fracture treatment but also to address the underlying osteoporotic condition in order to prevent the devastating socioeconomic consequences of osteoporotic fractures.
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The number of older persons admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) is dramatically increasing due to their complex medical and social problems, which in turn lead to longer clinical evaluation times and increased use of resources compared to younger adults. However, scant data are available for Italian EDs. Similarly, no data are available about the reasons to ED visit and its role in determining the ED utilization pattern. The study aimed at describing the pattern of ED use by older patients and main presenting complaints. ⋯ Older adults use the ED appropriately also in Italy. Trauma with complications (fracture) and various presenting complaints underlying medical problems accounted for more than 50 % of ED visits and hospital admissions.