Activities Of Daily Living Capacity Research Articles

Functional outcome after interdisciplinary, acute rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study.

Survivors of severe COVID-19 often exhibit a variety of sequelae including loss of mobility and ADL (activities of daily living) capacity. Acute rehabilitation (AR) is an interdisciplinary rehabilitation intervention applied early while still in a hospital setting. The goal of AR is to improve functional limitations and to increase functional independence at discharge. It is established in the treatment of patients with other severe diseases such as sepsis, polytrauma, or stroke. Data concerning AR in COVID-19 are sparse. To evaluate the changes in physical function during AR in patients after severe COVID-19. This monocentric, retrospective observational study examined the functional outcomes of a sample of COVID-19-patients who received interdisciplinary AR at a university hospital. Inclusion criteria were a positive SARS-CoV-2 test in 05/2020-01/2022 and transfer to AR after intensive care treatment. 87 patients were elegible for evaluation, 3 of whom were excluded because of death during AR. Data were extracted from the hospital information system. In a pre-post analysis, mobility (Charité Mobility Index), ADL (Barthel Index), and oxygen demand were assessed. In addition, discharge location after AR, factors associated with AR unit length of stay, and functional improvements were analyzed. Data of 84 patients were analyzed. Mobility increased significantly from a median of 4 [1.25-6] CHARMI points at admission to a median of 9 [8.25-9] at discharge (p < 0.001). ADL increased significantly from a median of 52.5 [35.0-68.75] Barthel Index points at admission to a median of 92.5 [85-95] at discharge (p < 0.001). Oxygen demand decreased from 80.7 to 30.5% of patients. The majority (55.9%) of patients were discharged home, while 36.9% received direct follow-up rehabilitation. Older age correlated significantly with lower scores on the discharge assessment for mobility (Spearman's ϱ = -0.285, p = 0.009) and ADL (Spearman's ϱ = -0.297, p = 0.006). Acute rehabilitation is a viable option for COVID-19 patients with severe functional deficits after ICU treatment to achieve functional progress in mobility and ADL, reduce oxygen requirements and enable follow-up rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE OF REGISTRATION FOR PROSPECTIVELY REGISTERED TRIALS: Trial registration number: DRKS00025239. Date of registration: 08 Sep 2021.

Association between sarcopenia at discharge and functional outcomes 1 month and 6 months after discharge in patients in convalescent rehabilitation wards.

This retrospective cohort study investigated the relationship between sarcopenia and Activities of Daily Living capacity after discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards. We included consecutive patients discharged from three convalescent rehabilitation wards in a hospital in Japan between December 2018 and October 2020. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the criteria of the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, utilizing skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength. Statistical analyses were carried out separately for men and women. The primary outcome was a higher motor domain (motor Functional Independence Measure [mFIM]) and a higher cognitive domain (cognitive Functional Independence Measure [cFIM]) of the FIM score 1 month after discharge. The secondary outcomes were higher mFIM and cFIM scores 6 months after discharge, analyzed using binary logistic regression. Among 305 participants (mean age 70.0 years, 148 men), 93 were identified as having sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 16% for outpatient rehabilitation services, 59% for home-visit rehabilitation services and 50% for older adult day care. Logistic regression analyses showed that sarcopenia at discharge was not an independent variable for mFIM at 1 month (odds ratio [OR] 20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-1300 for men, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.11-2.4 for women) and cFIM (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.10-3.8 for men, OR 5.3, 95% CI 0.81-34 for women). At 6 months, sarcopenia at discharge was not an independent variable for mFIM (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.02-3.6 for men, OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.06-2.5 for women) and cFIM (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.01-2.4 for men, OR 0.00, 95% CI 0.00-1.1 for women). Sarcopenia at the time of discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards does not independently predict FIM 1 month or 6 months after discharge. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 715-721.

A protocol for randomized controlled trial on multidisciplinary interventions for mobility limitation in the older adults (M-MobiLE)

BackgroundMobility limitation—the loss of exercise capacity or independent living ability—is a common geriatric syndrome in older adults. As a potentially reversible precursor to disability, mobility limitation is influenced by various factors. Moreover, its complex physiological mechanism hinders good therapeutic outcomes with a single-factor intervention. Most hospitals have not incorporated the diagnosis and evaluation of mobility limitation into medical routines nor developed a multidisciplinary team (MDT) treatment plan. We aim to conduct a clinical trial titled “A Multidisciplinary-team approach for management of Mobility Limitation in Elderly (M-MobiLE)” to explore the effect of the MDT decision-making intervention for mobility limitation.MethodsThe M-MobiLE study will be a multicenter, randomized, and controlled trial. We will recruit a minimum of 66 older inpatients with mobility limitation from at least five hospitals. Older patients with mobility limitation admitted to the geriatrics department will be included. Short-Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Function Impairment Screening Tool (FIST), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Short Form − 12 (SF-12), Fried frailty phenotype, social frailty, Morse Fall Risk Scale, SARC-CalF, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF), and intrinsic capacity will be assessed. The intervention group will receive an exercise-centered individualized MDT treatment, including exercise, educational, nutritional, medical, and comorbidity interventions; the control group will receive standard medical treatment. The primary outcome is the change in the SPPB score, and the secondary outcomes include increased SF-12, ADL, FIST, MMSE, MNA-SF, and intrinsic capacity scores and decreased GDS-15 and SARC-CalF scores.ConclusionOur results will help develop a multidisciplinary decision-making clinical pathway for inpatients with mobility limitation, which can be used to identify patients with mobility limitation more effectively, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of falls, frailty, and death in older inpatients. The implementation of this MDT strategy may standardize the treatment of mobility limitation, reduce adverse prognosis, and improve quality of life.Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR2200056756, Registered 19 February 2022.

Effects of Low Back Pain Exercises on Pain Symptoms and Activities of Daily Living: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Our objective in this paper was to systematically review evaluations of the effects of exercises on pain symptoms and activities of daily living (ADL) in middle-aged and elderly patients with low back pain (LBP). We searched Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic. We evaluated the methodological quality of included articles using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, and we statistically analyzed these studies using RevMan software. We reviewed 18 RCTs (23 comparison groups) with a total of 910 participants, and our meta-analysis confirmed that exercises significantly improved both pain and ADLs measured on visual analog scales (VAS) (SMD = -0.91, 95% CI: [-1.3, -0.52], p < 0.00001) and on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (SMD = -2.07, 95% CI: [-3.19, -0.96], p < 0.00001). We conclude that exercises can reduce pain severity and improve ADL capacity in middle-aged and elderly persons with LBP, confirming that exercise can serve as a medical intervention for these indivdiuals. However, given the high heterogeneity of responses among individual participants, there remains a need for further study.

Decreased activities of daily living at discharge predict mortality and readmission in elderly patients after cardiac and aortic surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

Recently, activities of daily living (ADL) were identified as a prognostic factor among elderly patients with heart disease; however, a specific association between ADL and prognosis after cardiac and aortic surgery is not well established. We aimed to clarify the impact of ADL capacity at discharge on prognosis in elderly patients after cardiac and aortic surgery.This retrospective cohort study included 171 elderly patients who underwent open operation for cardiovascular disease in a single center (median age: 74 years; men: 70%). We used the Barthel Index (BI) as an indicator for ADL. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the BI at discharge, indicating a high (BI ≥ 85) or low (BI < 85) ADL status. All-cause mortality and unplanned readmission events were observed after discharge.Thirteen all-cause mortality and 44 all-cause unplanned readmission events occurred during the median follow-up of 365 days. Using Kaplan–Meier analysis, a low ADL status was determined to be significantly associated with all-cause mortality and unplanned readmission. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, a low ADL status was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and unplanned readmission after adjusting for age, sex, length of hospital stay, and other variables (including preoperative status, surgical parameter, and postoperative course).A low ADL status at discharge predicted all-cause mortality and unplanned readmission in elderly patients after cardiac and aortic surgery. A comprehensive approach from the time of admission to postdischarge to improve ADL capacity in elderly patients undergoing cardiac and aortic surgery may improve patient outcomes.

Relação entre o risco coronariano e capacidade para atividades da vida diária

O estudo teve como objetivo relacionar o risco coronariano com a capacidade para atividades da vida diária (AVDs) em idosas praticantes de hidroginástica. A pesquisa foi realizada com idosas (n=40) praticantes de hidroginástica em academias da cidade de Ubá-MG. Avaliou-se os fatores de risco coronarianos através do questionário adaptado do Michigan Heart Association. Para avaliação da capacidade para AVDs foi utilizada a escala de autopercepção do desempenho em atividades da vida diária. Foi realizado o teste Komolgorov-Smirnov para verificar a normalidade dos dados e o teste de correlação de Pearson aplicado para verificar a relação entre o risco coronariano e a capacidade para AVDs das praticantes. Foi adotado um nível de significância de p≤0,05. O risco coronariano foi classificado como “risco médio” (24,00 ± 3,81) e a capacidade para AVDs classificada como “muito boa” (134,3 ± 21,10). Foi encontrada correlação significativa entre risco coronariano e a capacidade para AVDs. Conclui-se que a hidroginástica proporciona menor risco coronariano e maior capacidade para AVDs em idosas.

Prognostic regression models of life expectancy after diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease – a 20-year follow-up

Background: To determine characteristics that might affect survival times in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients treated with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) in clinical practice, and create statistical models of estimated life-span after AD diagnosis. Method: The Swedish Alzheimer Treatment Study (SATS) is a prospective, observational, multicenter study to evaluate the use of long-term ChEI therapy. The SATS enrolled 1,021 participants with a clinical diagnosis of mild-to-moderate AD (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, 10–26) at the start of ChEI treatment (shortly after AD diagnosis). Cognitive ability, instrumental and basic activities of daily living (ADL) were evaluated at baseline and semiannually over 3 years, and the date of death was recorded. Result: After up to 20 years of follow-up, 966 patients (95%) were deceased. Two types of multivariate linear regression models were created, one using only sociodemographic and clinical characteristics at baseline, and another model including baseline and longitudinal measures. Both main models included cognitive ability, and the extended models also included ADL capacities, as well as aspects of ChEI therapy in the longitudinal model. Significant independent predictors of longer life expectancy in all models were female sex, younger age, no use of antihypertensive/cardiac therapy or antidiabetics, (but not the specific apolipoprotein E genotype or solitary living), indicating the stability and validity of our regression models. A higher education level predicted shorter survival time in both baseline models (with and without ADL) and in the longitudinal model including cognition only. In the baseline model including ADL capacities, instrumental ADL (IADL) and basic ADL scores were stronger predictors of mortality than cognition. In the longitudinal model including ADL capacities, IADL and basic ADL scores (but not MMSE score) at baseline, progression rates in cognition and basic ADL predicted survival independently. A longer period of ChEI treatment in the study was also a strong predictor of longer life-span of up to ~2 years. Conclusion: The survival time after a diagnosis of AD could be predicted with a high degree of explanation using multivariate regression models including sociodemographic and clinical factors. These clinically relevant prognostic models can be used to estimate life expectancy for AD patients.

P2‐282: PROGNOSTIC REGRESSION MODELS OF LIFE EXPECTANCY AFTER DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: A 20‐YEAR FOLLOW‐UP

To determine characteristics that might affect survival times in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients treated with cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) in clinical practice, and create statistical models of estimated life-span after AD diagnosis. The Swedish Alzheimer Treatment Study (SATS) is a prospective, observational, multicenter study to evaluate the use of long-term ChEI therapy. The SATS enrolled 1,021 participants with a clinical diagnosis of mild-to-moderate AD (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, 10–26) at the start of ChEI treatment (shortly after AD diagnosis). Cognitive ability, instrumental and basic activities of daily living (ADL) were evaluated at baseline and semiannually over 3 years, and the date of death was recorded. After up to 20 years of follow-up, 966 patients (95%) were deceased. Two types of multivariate linear regression models were created, one using only sociodemographic and clinical characteristics at baseline, and another model including baseline and longitudinal measures. Both main models included cognitive ability, and the extended models also included ADL capacities, as well as aspects of ChEI therapy in the longitudinal model. Significant independent predictors of longer life expectancy in all models were female sex, younger age, no use of antihypertensive/cardiac therapy or antidiabetics, (but not the specific apolipoprotein E genotype or solitary living), indicating the stability and validity of our regression models. A higher education level predicted shorter survival time in both baseline models (with and without ADL) and in the longitudinal model including cognition only. In the baseline model including ADL capacities, instrumental ADL (IADL) and basic ADL scores were stronger predictors of mortality than cognition. In the longitudinal model including ADL capacities, IADL and basic ADL scores (but not MMSE score) at baseline, progression rates in cognition and basic ADL predicted survival independently. A longer period of ChEI treatment in the study was also a strong predictor of longer life-span of up to ∼2 years. The survival time after a diagnosis of AD could be predicted with a high degree of explanation using multivariate regression models including sociodemographic and clinical factors. These clinically relevant prognostic models can be used to estimate life expectancy for AD patients.

Factors determining the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The study aims to assess selected factors contributing to the long-term effects of the conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Forty-nine individuals diagnosed with CTS were enrolled in the study. The symptoms resulted from occupational hand overuse in 37 patients. The assessment involved 78 hands before the therapy (study 1) and 1 year after the end of the therapy (study 2). The clinical symptoms assessed included: pain, numbness, tingling, morning stiffness, vegetative disorders and difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL). The range of motion (ROM) in the hand joints and the pressure generated during the cylindrical grip were measured. Phalen's tests, an electrodiagnostic test and a 2-point discrimination study were performed. A significant reduction of symptoms and improvement in tested parameters were found in study 2. The largest ROM in the hand, the lowest level of pain and the largest reduction in the frequency of daytime tingling were found in the oldest patients in study 2. In subjects with better initial electrodiagnostic test results, a significant reduction in daytime numbness and daytime tingling was obtained. In individuals previously subjected to conservative therapy, a significant improvement in the ROM of the hand and a better quality of sensation were noted in study 2. A higher level of pain, a lower reduction in the frequency of daytime tingling, and a smaller improvement in ADL capacity were noted in individuals who overused their hands at work after the therapy. The effects of conservative CTS treatment after 1 year, expressed as the reduction of subjective symptoms, were independent of the patient's age. A worse initial electrodiagnostic test result is a predictor of less favorable therapy results. Hand overuse during occupational activity may negatively affect the effects of conservative treatment in individuals with CTS. A change in the nature of occupational activity positively influenced the long-term maintenance of the effects of conservative treatment. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(2):197-215.

The Use of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Specifically Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation After Stroke.

The Use of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Specifically Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation After Stroke.

Early Out-of-Bed Functional Exercise Benefits Elderly Patients Following Hip Fracture: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Hip fracture is a worldwide medical problem with devastating consequences. Older adults are at higher risk for complications and have more mobility limitation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of delay in out-of-bed functional exercise on one-year mortality and functional outcomes for elderly patients with hip fracture in China. 1,022 cases of patients with hip fracture who were older than 75 were involved in this retrospective cohort study between 2007 and 2017. One-year mortality, follow up Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, and Harris hip score were collected. Patients with hip fracture experienced an average of 2.9 days of in-bed functional exercise, 41.4% (n = 423) taken out-of-bed functional exercise within 2 days. A Cox proportional regression model showed that after adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular disease, and urinary disease, delayed out-of-bed functional exercise (> 2 days) associated with higher one-year mortality (OR = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09 to 1.69). Ordinary least squares regression showed that delayed out-of-bed functional exercise associated with worsen ADL scores at 1-month (difference of -3.9 points, 95% CI: -6.4 to -1.7), although the long term ADL scores did not have increased. In addition, there were no associations between out-of-bed functional exercise timing and the Harris hip score at 12 months. In conclusion, in elderly patients with hip fracture in China, delayed out-of-bed functional exercise was not associated with improved Harris hip score, but it was associated with worsen ADL capacities at 1-month postoperatively and higher one-year mortality. The present study emphasizes the benefit of early out-of-bed exercise on the majority of elderly patients with hip fracture.

Early- versus Late-Onset Alzheimer Disease: Long-Term Functional Outcomes, Nursing Home Placement, and Risk Factors for Rate of Progression

Background/Aims: Whether age at onset influences functional deterioration in Alzheimer disease (AD) is unclear. We, therefore, investigated risk factors for progression in activities of daily living (ADL) and nursing home placement (NHP) in cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI)-treated patients with early-onset AD (EOAD) versus late-onset AD (LOAD). Methods: This 3-year, prospective, observational, multicenter study included 1,017 participants with mild-to-moderate AD; 143 had EOAD (onset <65 years) and 874 LOAD (onset ≥65 years). Possible sociodemographic and clinical factors that could affect functional outcome and NHP were analyzed using mixed-effects models and logistic regression, respectively. Results: Younger individuals exhibited longer illness duration before AD diagnosis, whereas 6-month functional response to ChEI therapy, 3-year changes in ADL capacities, time from diagnosis to NHP, and survival time in nursing homes were similar between the groups. In LOAD, a higher ChEI dose, no antidepressant use, and lower education level were protective factors for slower instrumental ADL (IADL) decline. In EOAD, antihypertensives/cardiac therapy implied faster IADL progression but lower risk of NHP. Conclusion: This study highlights the clinical importance of an earlier diagnosis and treatment initiation and the need for functional evaluations in EOAD. Despite the age differences between EOAD and LOAD, a similar need for nursing homes was observed.

How do assessments of activities of daily living address executive functions: A scoping review

ABSTRACTExecutive functions (EF) allow persons to adapt to situations arising in daily life and can be affected following acquired brain injury (ABI). Measuring the impact of EF impairments on the accomplishment of activities of daily living (ADL) requires specific assessment tools, but choosing the right tool may be difficult.Purpose: To conduct a scoping review on how assessments of ADL address EF and EF impairments in persons with ABI.Method: A scoping review of literature (peer-reviewed and grey literature) published until August 2014 was conducted. Using a systematic procedure, literature was selected, results were charted, and tools were analysed with respect to their goals, underlying models, psychometric properties and applicability. The analysis also included how tools considered components of EF according to Lezak’s model.Results: 12 tools, developed either to assess EF in ADL, independence in ADL considering EF or ADL capacities, were identified and analysed according to multiple criteria.Conclusions: This review provides important information about existing tools to assist in tool selection and clinical decision-making related to ABI and EF.

Does physical exercise improve ADL capacities in people over 65 years with moderate or severe dementia hospitalized in an acute psychiatric setting? A multisite randomized clinical trial.

Several studies on the effect of physical exercise on activities of daily living (ADL) for people with dementia exist; yet, data concerning the specific context of acute psychiatric hospitals remain scant. This study measured the effect of a physical exercise program on ADL scores in patients with moderate to severe dementia hospitalized in an acute psychiatric ward. A multicenter clinical trial was conducted in five Swiss and Belgian psychiatric hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Members of the EG received 20 physical exercise sessions (strengthening, balance, and walking) over a four-week period while members of the CG participated in social interaction sessions of equivalent duration and frequency, but without physical exercise. The effect of exercise on ADL was measured by comparing scores of the Barthel Index and the Functional Independence Measure in the EG and CG before and after the intervention, and two weeks later. Hundred and sixty patients completed the program. Characteristics of participants of both groups were similar at the inception of the study. The mean ADL score of EG decreased slightly over time, whereas that of the CG significantly decreased compared to initial scores. Overall differences between groups were not significant; however, significant differences were found for mobility-related items. ADL scores in elderly with moderate to severe dementia deteriorate during acute psychiatric hospitalization. An exercise program delays the loss of mobility but does not have a significant impact on overall ADL scores.

Exploring the prevalence and variance of cognitive impairment, pain, neuropsychiatric symptoms and ADL dependency among persons living in nursing homes; a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundEarlier studies in nursing homes show a high prevalence of cognitive impairment, dependency in activities of daily living (ADL), pain, and neuropsychiatric symptoms among residents. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of the above among residents in a nationally representative sample of Swedish nursing homes, and to investigate whether pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms differ in relation to gender, cognitive function, ADL-capacity, type of nursing-home unit and length of stay.MethodsCross-sectional data from 188 randomly selected nursing homes were collected. A total of 4831 residents were assessed for cognitive and ADL function, pain and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test.ResultsThe results show the following: the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 67 %, 56 % of residents were ADL-dependent, 48 % exhibited pain and 92 % exhibited neuropsychiatric symptoms. The prevalence of pain did not differ significantly between male and female residents, but pain was more prevalent among cognitively impaired and ADL-dependent residents. Pain prevalence was not significantly different between residents in special care units for people with dementia (SCU) and general units, or between shorter-and longer-stay residents. Furthermore, the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms did not differ significantly between male and female residents, between ADL capacities or in relation to length of stay. However, residents with cognitive impairment and residents in SCUs had a significantly higher prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms than residents without cognitive impairment and residents in general units.ConclusionsThe prevalence rates ascertained in this study could contribute to a greater understanding of the needs of nursing-home residents, and may provide nursing home staff and managers with trustworthy assessment scales and benchmark values for further quality assessment purposes, clinical development work and initiating future nursing assessments.

Assessment of Activities of Daily Living, Self-Care, and Independence.

Activities of daily living (ADL) comprise the basic actions that involve caring for one's self and body, including personal care, mobility, and eating. In this review article, we (1) review useful clinical tools including a discussion on ways to approach ADL assessment across settings, (2) highlight relevant literature evaluating the relationship between cognitive functioning and ADLs, (3) discuss other biopsychosocial factors affecting ADL performance, (4) provide clinical recommendations for enhancing ADL capacity with an emphasis on self-care tasks (eating, grooming, dressing, bathing and toileting), and (5) identify interventions that treatment providers can implement to reduce the burden of ADL care.

CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITOR THERAPY DOES NOT AFFECT TIME SPENT IN NURSING HOMES IN PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Background: The time spent in nursing homes (NHs) by patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) might be influenced by many factors, e.g., sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, rate of disease progression, and concomitant disorders. Whether different aspects of cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) therapy (drug agent, dose, and duration) affect time spent in NHs has not been investigated. We studied the relationship between these potential predictors and time spent in NHs. Methods: The Swedish Alzheimer Treatment Study (SATS) is a prospective, observational, multicenter study for the long-term assessment of ChEI therapy in a routine clinical setting. This presentation includes 220 deceased SATS participants clinically diagnosed with mild-to-moderate AD (Mini-Mental State Examination score, 10–26 at the start of ChEI treatment) who were admitted to NHs during the study. Cognitive and activities of daily living (ADL) capacities were evaluated at the baseline and semiannually over 3 years. The dates of nursing home placement (NHP) and death were recorded. Variables that determined time spent in NHs were analyzed using general linear models. Results: The mean (95% confidence interval) time spent in NHs was 4.06 (3.69–4.43) years: 2.78 (2.19–3.38) years for men vs 4.53 (4.09–4.96) years for women; P < 0.001. When considering the interaction effect of sex and living status, males living with a family member spent a shorter time in NHs (2.15 (1.48–2.83) years) vs the other groups: females living with family, 4.75 (4.00–5.50) years; males living alone, 4.00 (2.96–5.05) years; and females living alone, 4.41 (3.87–4.95) years; P < 0.001. The multivariate model showed that a shorter stay in NHs was independently related to being a man living with family, lower basic ADL at NHP, and more concomitant medications. Age, cognitive or instrumental ADL capacities at NHP, rates of decline in cognition or function, and ChEI type, dose, and treatment duration were not significant predictors. Conclusions: Women cared for their spouses with AD at home longer than did men. The situation of these female informal caregivers needs attention and possibly support. There was no indication that any aspects of ChEI therapy influenced the time spent in NHs.

Positive effects of 1-year football and strength training on mechanical muscle function and functional capacity in elderly men.

A decline in physical capacity takes place with increasing age that negatively affects overall physical function including work ability and the ability to perform typical activities of daily living (ADL). The overall aim of the present study was to determine the neuromuscular adaptations to long-term (1year) football and strength training in older untrained adults, and to assess the concurrent effect on functional ADL capacity. Twenty-seven healthy elderly males (68.2±3.2years) were randomly assigned to 12months of either recreational football training (FT: n=10), strength training (ST: n=9) or served as inactive controls (CON: n=8). Recreational football training consisted of small-sided training sessions whereas strength training consisted of high intensity exercises targeting the lower extremity and upper body. Maximal thigh muscle strength and rate of force development (RFD) were assessed with isokinetic dynamometry, while postural balance and vertical jumping performance were evaluated using force plate analysis. Furthermore, functional ability was evaluated by stair-ascent and chair-rising testing. A total of nine, nine and seven participants from FT, ST and CON, respectively, were included in the analysis. Both exercise regimens led to substantial gains in functional ability, evidenced by 24 and 18% reduced stair-ascent time, and 32 and 21% increased chair-rising performance in FT and ST, respectively (all P < 0.05). Long-term strength training led to increased concentric (14%; P<0.01) and isometric (23%; P<0.001) quadriceps and isometric hamstring strength (44%; P<0.0001), whereas football training mainly resulted in enhanced hamstring strength (18%, P<0.05) and RFD (89%, P<0.0001). Long-term (1year) strength training led to increased quadriceps and hamstring strength, whereas the adaptations to football training mainly included enhanced strength and rapid force capacity of the hamstring muscles. Gains in functional ability were observed in response to both training regimens, evidenced by reduced stair-ascent time and increased chair-rising performance. Long-term football exercise and strength training both appear to be effective interventional strategies to improve factors of importance for ADL by counteracting the age-related decline in lower limb strength and functional capacity among old male adults. This could potentially be a way to improve work ability of senior workers.

Solitary living in Alzheimer's disease over 3 years: association between cognitive and functional impairment and community-based services.

IntroductionMany individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) live alone, and this figure is expected to increase. This study aimed to describe the cognitive and functional abilities of solitary-living AD patients, and the potential predictors of their usage of community-based services.MethodsThis 3-year, prospective, multicenter study included 1,021 participants with mild-to-moderate AD (Mini-Mental State Examination score, 10–26) treated with a cholinesterase inhibitor in a routine clinical setting. At baseline and every 6 months, patients were assessed using cognitive, instrumental, and basic activities of daily living (ADL) scales, and service utilization was recorded. Logistic regression models were used to predict the usage of community-based services.ResultsAt the start of cholinesterase inhibitor therapy (time of AD diagnosis), 355 individuals (35%) were living alone. They were mainly female, older, had more impaired basic ADL capacity, and had a larger number of concomitant medications when compared with those living with family. Regarding the solitary-living patients, lower instrumental ADL (IADL) ability and more medications were independent predictors of usage of home-help services, whereas more impaired IADL at baseline and faster IADL deterioration were predictors of nursing home admission. For those living with family, older age, lower basic ADL, and a greater number of medications predicted home-help services, whereas a larger amount of home help predicted nursing home placement. In addition, female sex was a risk factor for both the utilization of home-help services and nursing home placement. Cognitive ability was not significantly associated with the usage of community-based services.ConclusionA large number of AD patients, predominantly females, live alone with severe cognitive and functional impairment. The amount of home-help services used did not reflect cognitive severity, suggesting that home help did not meet the needs related to cognitive deterioration. Increased knowledge of how community-based services can better accommodate the care needs of solitary-living individuals with AD is essential.

A systematic review of activities of daily living measures for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

This study aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties and clinical utility of measures of activities of daily living (ADL) for children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 5 to 18years. Five electronic databases were searched to identify available ADL measures with published psychometric data for school-aged children with CP. Measures were included if at least 60% of the items addressed ADL in the full assessment or in an independent domain. A modified CanChild Outcome Rating Form was used to report the validity, reliability, responsiveness, and clinical utility of the measures. Twenty-six measures were identified and eight met inclusion criteria. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) had the strongest psychometric properties but was limited by its age range. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) was the most comprehensive evaluation of underlying motor and cognitive abilities yet further psychometric testing is required for children with CP. The PEDI should be used to measure ADL capability in elementary school aged children. The AMPS is the best measure to evaluate ADL performance or capacity and is suitable for all ages. Future research should examine the reliability of the AMPS to determine its stability in children and adolescents with CP.