Aging clinical and experimental research
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This study aimed at examining factors related to osteoarthritis (OA) symptom severity in African American and Caucasian veterans (n=202). ⋯ Among this sample of veterans, African Americans had significantly higher WOMAC scores than Caucasians after controlling for other important demographic and clinical factors. Different and more intense treatment strategies may be needed for African American veterans with OA.
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Dizziness is common in older adults, and may be associated with limitations in physical performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate if leg muscle weakness and imbalance exist in older dizzy patients. ⋯ Leg muscle weakness and imbalance were more common in older dizzy patients than in healthy subjects. Clinical management should include assessment and therapy for these problems.
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Little is known about muscle strength as a predictor of disability among older Mexican Americans. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hand grip strength and 7-year incidence of ADL disability in older Mexican American men and women. ⋯ Hand grip strength is an independent predictor of ADL disability among older Mexican American men and women. The hand grip strength test is an easy, reliable, valid, inexpensive method of screening to identify older adults at risk of disability.
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Although several investigations have tested physical activity a few months or one year after hip fracture, only a few have assessed physical activity shortly after hip fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate how physical function two weeks after hip fracture operation predicts 12-month mortality. This was a prospective study of hip fracture patients with one-year follow-up, carried out in Jyväskylä Central Hospital in Finland. ⋯ Inability to stand up, sit down or walk two weeks after operation were the strongest predictors for mortality among operated hip fracture patients. We suggest that focus should be directed to verify if better survival might be achieved by more intensive rehabilitation immediately after the operation. The pre-fracture ADL-score appeared to be the only variable reaching statistical significance in the multiple proportional hazard model. This fact may reflect frailty and affect decisions concerning the rehabilitation program.
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Polio survivors are ageing, and reporting new complications including falls. The aims of this study were: 1) to determine the frequency of falls, circumstances surrounding them, and the consequences of falls in older people who have polio; and 2) to investigate the range of fall prevention interventions undertaken to reduce the individual's risk of falling. ⋯ A high rate of falling, fear of falling and low activity levels exist in older people with polio. There is a need for further research and clinical programs to reduce falls and injuries in this group.