Group Of Older Women Research Articles

An investigation on the prevalence and patterns of multi-morbidity among a group of slum-dwelling older women of Kolkata, India

BackgroundMulti-morbidity is a pervasive and growing issue worldwide. The prevalence of multi-morbidity varies across different populations and settings, but it is particularly common among older adults. It poses substantial physical, psychological, and socio-economic burdens on individuals, caregivers and healthcare systems. In this context, the present study aims to provide an insight on the prevalence and degree of multi-morbidity; and also, on the relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions among a group of slum-dwelling older women.MethodsThis community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the slum areas of urban Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It includes total 500 older women, aged 60 years or above. Pre-tested schedules on so-demographic and morbidity profile have canvassed to obtain the information by door-to-door survey. To determine the relationship between the level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions, correspondence analysis has performed.ResultsThe study revealed three most prevalent morbid conditions- back and/or joint pain, dental caries/cavity and hypertension. The overall prevalence of multi-morbidity was 95.8% in this group of older women. It was highly over-represented by the oldest-old age group (80 years and above). Majority were found to suffer from five simultaneous morbid conditions that accounted for 15.2% of the total respondents. All of the oldest-old women of this study reported to suffer from more than two medical conditions simultaneously. Three distinct groups were formed based on the inter-relationship between level of multi-morbidity and morbid conditions. The group 1 and 2 represents only 27.8% and 18% of the total sample. Whereas, group 3 comprises the highest level of morbidities (≥ 6) and 52.8% of total sample, and strongly related with general debilities, cardiac problems, asthma/COPD, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal problems, neurological disorders, hypothyroidism and oral health issues.ConclusionThe findings confirmed the assertion that multi-morbidity in slum living older adults is a problem with high prevalence and complexity. This study proposes an easily replicable approach of understanding complex interaction of morbidities that can help further in identifying the healthcare needs of older adults to provide them with healthy and more productive life expectancy.

Cutoff value of the geniohyoid muscle mass to identify sarcopenic dysphagia by ultrasonography.

Determining the strength and area of the swallowing muscles is important in patients with sarcopenic dysphagia. Although the normative data on the strength of the swallowing muscles have been reported, those of the area of the geniohyoid muscle are poorly investigated. We investigated the cross-sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle in Japanese subjects without dysphagia using ultrasonography to determine the normative and cut-off values. 142 subjects without dysphagia were included. The older group (age ≥ 65years) included 36 (women 27/men 9) subjects, and the younger group (age ≤ 39years) included 106 (women 54/men 52) subjects. The cross-sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle was measured by ultrasound. The mean of the younger group-2 standard deviation (SD) was calculated and used as a cut-off value for low swallowing muscle mass. The mean (SD) of the area of the geniohyoid muscle of each group was as follows: older women group 167.2 (32.6) mm2, older men group 193.2 (49.5) mm2, younger women group 247.3 (37.4) mm2, younger men group 313.1 (59.2) mm2. The mean 2SD of the geniohyoid muscle area in the younger women group was 172.5mm2 and in the younger men group 194.7mm2. We found that the cut-off value of the ultrasonographic cross-sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle was 172.5mm2 for women and 194.7mm2 for men. These values could be used as cut-off values for the mass of the geniohyoid muscle to identify patients with sarcopenic dysphagia.

Факторная структура показателей походки у пожилых мужчин и женщин

Ageing negatively affects the quality of walking. There is a relationship between old age and changes in the main spatiotemporal gait parameters. However, this relationship differs between men and women. The question of the influence of sex on postural balance remains relevant today, since conflicting data are found in various sources. The purpose of this research was to study sex-related differences in the factor structure of gait parameters in older adults. Materials and methods. The study involved 80 subjects aged 60–74 years. The mean age was 67.2 ± 2.1 years in the group of women (n = 40) and 67.4 ± 2.0 years in the group of men (n = 40). Gait was assessed using the computer-aided stabilometric complex Balance Manager. The following tests were performed: Sit-to-Stand, Walk Across, Tandem Walk, Step/Quick Turn, and Step-UpandOver. Results. Sex-related features of the factor structure of gait parameters in older adults were revealed. We established that the leading factor in the group of older women is the factor that combines the following parameters: time to execute a motor act (stepping over an obstacle) and speed of simple and tandem walking. In the group of older men, however, the leading factor combines the parameters of time, accuracy and muscle force when performing complex motor acts (turning while walking and stepping over an obstacle).

Cognitive and immunological effects of yoga compared to memory training in older women at risk for alzheimer’s disease

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) accompanied by cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are known to increase the risk of developing dementia. Mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation, have been recognized as safe techniques with beneficial effects on cognitive functions in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Kundalini yoga training (KY) compared to memory enhancement training (MET) on mood and cognitive functioning in a group of older women with CVRFs and SCD (clinicaltrials.gov = NCT03503669). The KY intervention consisted of weekly, 60-min in-person classes with a certified instructor for 12 weeks, with a 12-min guided recording for daily homework practice at home. MET involved 12 weekly in-person group classes with 12-min daily homework exercises. Objective and subjective memory performance were the primary outcomes. Peripheral whole blood samples were collected at baseline, 12-weeks, and 24-weeks follow-up for RNA sequencing and cytokine/chemokine assays. A total of 79 patients (KY = 40; MET = 39) were randomized, and 63 completed the 24-week follow-up (KY = 65% completion rate; MET = 95%; χ2(1) = 10.9, p < 0.001). At 24-weeks follow-up, KY yielded a significant, large effect size improvement in subjective cognitive impairment measures compared to MET. KYOn a transcriptional level, at 12- and 24-week follow-up, KY uniquely altered aging-associated signatures, including interferon gamma and other psycho-neuro-immune pathways. Levels of chemokine eotaxin-1, an aging marker, increased over time in MET but not KY participants. These results suggest clinical and biological benefits to KY for SCD, linking changes in cognition to the anti-inflammatory effects of yoga.

Self-perception of voice, hearing, and general health in screening for voice changes in older women.

To verify the association between sociodemographic factors, vocal behavior, morbidities, and self-perception of voice, hearing, and general health in older women with voice disorders. The sample had 95 older women aged 60 to 84 years (mean of 69,5). They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic aspects, health, and vocal behavior. The Screening Protocol for Voice Disorders in Older Adults (RAVI) was used to identify the presence of voice disorders. Participants who had finished high school and were retired predominated. The number of older women with voice disorders according to RAVI was 46.3%. Physical sensations such as dry throat, throat clearing, and itchy throat were the most common complaints. The group of older women with voice disorders had worse self-perception of voice quality, hearing, and general health and a higher frequency of upper airway infections than those without voice disorders (p ≤ 0.05). The vocal self-assessment measured with RAVI was statistically associated with self-perception of voice quality, hearing, general health, sore throat, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies.

Autopercepção da voz, audição e saúde geral no rastreio de distúrbio vocal em idosas

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the association between sociodemographic factors, vocal behavior, morbidities, and self-perception of voice, hearing, and general health in older women with voice disorders. Methods The sample had 95 older women aged 60 to 84 years (mean of 69,5). They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic aspects, health, and vocal behavior. The Screening Protocol for Voice Disorders in Older Adults (RAVI) was used to identify the presence of voice disorders. Results Participants who had finished high school and were retired predominated. The number of older women with voice disorders according to RAVI was 46.3%. Physical sensations such as dry throat, throat clearing, and itchy throat were the most common complaints. The group of older women with voice disorders had worse self-perception of voice quality, hearing, and general health and a higher frequency of upper airway infections than those without voice disorders (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The vocal self-assessment measured with RAVI was statistically associated with self-perception of voice quality, hearing, general health, sore throat, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies.

OLDER WOMEN WITHOUT AND WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: RISK OF FALLS

Abstract Evidence points to an association between hyperglycemic state and worsening mobility, with increased risk of falls. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of falls in the women older with and without diabetes mellitus in a sample of women older 60 to 65 years of age (N = 205) care in primary health care in the Federal District - Brazil. The results of the statistical model showed that the highest prevalence of falls was in the group of older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (52.8%). It was possible to verify in the Time Up and Go performance test that most older women with type 2 diabetes mellitus were at risk of falling (79.2%) (p=0.003). Furthermore, women with type 2 diabetes mellitus showed a higher risk of falls in the Berg Balance test (51.76±5.87). The results suggest that type 2 diabetes mellitus significantly increased the risk of falls in this population. The potential benefits of this approach contribute to the planning of strategies and interventions to prevent falls in this population of older women.

Yoga for prevention of cognitive decline in older women with cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive decline.

AbstractBackgroundYoga may produce positive effects on cognitive functions in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. In this study (NCT03503669), we investigated neural and peripheral biomarkers therapeutic response in older women with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRFs) following three months of yoga compared to memory enhancement training (MET).MethodWe conducted a randomized, controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Kundalini yoga (YOGA) and memory enhancement training (MET) on mood and cognitive functioning in a group of older women with CVRFs and SCD. RNA sequencing and cytokine/chemokine assays were analyzed as well as a multimodal MRI (Siemens 3T Prisma scanner).ResultA total of 79 patients (YOGA = 40; MET = 39) were randomized and 63 completed the 24‐week follow‐up (Mean age = 66.5 years and mean MMSE was 28.4). At 12‐weeks and 24‐weeks, both interventions demonstrated improvement in frequency of forgetting (MFQ‐Factor 1) (F(1, 76) = 0.2, p = 0.7). At 24‐weeks, YOGA participants demonstrated between‐ and within‐groups improvements in seriousness of forgetting/MFQ‐Factor 2 (effect size (95% confidence interval) = ‐0.73 (‐1.26, ‐0.19)). Compared to MET, at 12‐ and 24‐weeks follow‐up, YOGA uniquely modulated targets related to interferon signaling and innate and adaptive immunity. Compared to YOGA, MET participants displayed higher Eotaxin‐1 levels (F(2,67) = 3.94, p = 0.02). On sMRI‐Compared to KY + KK, MET showed reductions in GMV in left prefrontal, pre‐ and post‐central, supramarginal, superior temporal and pericalcarine cortices, right paracentral, postcentral, superior and inferior parietal cortices. Right hippocampal volume increased after yoga. rs‐fMRI analysis showed a left anterior hippocampal subregion assigned to the default mode network (DMN) with greater increases in connectivity with largely ventral visual stream regions with YOGA than with MET (p&lt;.001), in associations with lower stress (p&lt;.05).ConclusionAt 24‐weeks follow‐up, YOGA yielded a significant, large effect size improvement in subjective cognitive impairment, and a robust mediation of inflammatory‐immune pathways, including suppression of pro‐inflammatory molecules. YOGA also offered neuroprotective effects compared to MET. These results suggest clinical, neural and biological benefits to YOGA for SCD in post‐menopausal women at risk for AD.

Pushing Shopping Cart: An Intentional Exercise for Older Adults

ABSTRACT Physical exertion is a leading barrier to physical activity. Continuing physical activity is vital for older adults because reduced physical activity and lack of regular exercise can lead to muscle weakness and increase the mortality risk. Shopping is an instrumental activity of daily living, and shopping by visiting brick-and-mortar stores can help older adults maintain physical activity. However, if older adults experience significant physical exertion at the store, it could prevent them from engaging in this crucial activity. This study assessed the perceived exertion and heart rate in older women with and without osteoarthritis, pre- and post-pushing a loaded shopping cart. Sixty participants were grouped by age and presence or absence of osteoarthritis. Results from 2(cart conditions) X 2(time) X 3(groups) ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference in physical exertion and heart rate with and without the cart, pre and post-using the cart, and also between younger and the two older groups; with significantly higher perceived and physiological exertion scores in both groups of older women. Through intentional exercise protocols designed around shopping tasks, there is an opportunity for older adults to engage in physical activity as they shop and build their strength while also improving their well-being.

Prevalence of associations among sarcopenia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in Brazilian older adults.

Although aging is a process associated with the development of obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and sarcopenia, the prevalence of these conditions in older adults from São Paulo, Brazil, is unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of obesity, sarcopenia, and MetS, both separately and together, in a community-based sample of older adults from São Paulo, Brazil. Data from the medical records of 418 older adults of both genders, aged 60 years or older (mean age 69.3 ± 6.5 years), who were not physically active, were used to conduct this retrospective cross-sectional study. Anthropometric variables were used to determine both body mass index (BMI) and Conicity index (C index). Sarcopenia and MetS were defined according to the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People and by the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, respectively. Based on BMI, the group of older men (n = 91) showed a predominance of adequate weight (n = 49) and the group of older women (n = 327) showed a predominance of obesity (n = 181). In association with obesity, while only the group of older women presented with sarcopenia (n = 5), 52 older women and 9 older men presented with MetS, and two older women presented with sarcopenia + MetS [prevalence ratio = 0.0385, 95% CI (0.007;0.1924)]. Based on the C index, 58 older women and 11 older men presented with MetS, while the occurrence of sarcopenia or MetS + sarcopenia was found in 32 and 5 older women, respectively [prevalence ratio = 0.0910, 95% CI (0.037;0.2241)]. Our results suggest that obesity, as measured by BMI or the C Index, was more closely associated with the occurrence of MetS than sarcopenia, regardless of gender, and also that sarcopenic obesity was only found in the group of older women. Additionally, the prevalence ratio of obesity, sarcopenia, and MetS evidenced using the C index was 2.3 times higher than the values found using the BMI classification.

High whole-body bone mineral density in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

BACKGROUND CONTEXTRecent studies suggest that ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is exacerbated by systemic metabolic disturbances, including obesity. However, although an increase in bone mineral density (BMD) measured at the lumbar spine has been reported in patients with OPLL, no studies have investigated the systemic BMD of patients with OPLL in detail. PURPOSEWe investigated whether patients with OPLL develop increased whole-body BMD. STUDY DESIGNSingle institution cross-sectional study. PATIENT SAMPLEData were collected from Japanese patients with symptomatic OPLL (OPLL [+]; n=99). Control data (OPLL [-]; n=226) without spinal ligament ossification were collected from patients who underwent spinal decompression, spinal fusion, or hip replacement surgery. OUTCOME MEASURESDemographic data, including age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, history of treatment for osteoporosis, and history of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, was obtained from all participants. In addition, whole-body BMD, including the lumbar spine, thoracic spine, femoral neck, skull, ribs, entire upper extremity, entire lower extremity, and pelvis, were measured in all participants using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. METHODSPatient data were collected from 2018 to 2022. All participants were categorized based on sex, age (middle-aged [<70 years] and older adults [≥70 years]), and OPLL type (localized OPLL [OPLL only in the cervical spine], diffuse OPLL [OPLL in regions including the thoracic spine]), and OPLL [-]) and each parameter was compared. The factors associated with whole-body BMD were evaluated via multivariable linear regression analysis. RESULTSCompared with the OPLL (-) group, the OPLL (+) group of older women had significantly higher BMD in all body parts (p<.01), and the OPLL (+) group of older men had significantly higher BMD in all body parts except the ribs, forearm, and skull (p<.01). The factors associated with increased BMD of both the femoral neck (load-bearing bone) and skull (nonload-bearing bone) were age, BMI, and coexisting diffuse OPLL in women and BMI and coexisting localized OPLL in men. CONCLUSIONSPatients with OPLL have increased whole-body BMD regardless of sex, indicating that it is not simply due to load-bearing from obesity. These findings suggested that OPLL is associated with a systemic pathology.

The Dynamic of the Fertility Age Model in the Two Regions of Russia

Introduction. The increase of the age of mothers at the birth of children is observed in the modern period. The speed of this process in different regions of Russia and the world is different. The aim of this research is to estimate the average age of mothers and the number of children born by one woman in Tyumen and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in 2017–2018. Materials and Methods. The archival documents from medical institutions about 676 women who registered for pregnancy have been analyzed. For temporary comparison for the period from 1985 to 2003, we use the data presented in a previously published monograph. The standard methods of statistics, spatial and temporal analysis are used, which have made it possible to identify the dynamics of the age model of fertility. Results. The authors have determine that the distribution of women by age at the birth of children is the same in two Russian cities. A group of women aged 26 to 33 years is represented with 55% frequency. The average age of women in labor from two cities is the same. In Tyumen is 30.1 ± 0.63, in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is 29.5 ± 0.38. The article provides evidence that in the previous period, the proportion of women in labor aged 18 to 25 years was 60%. In both cities, the distribution of women by the number of births is the same, 83% gave birth twice. 14% of children were born in third births. In the previous time interval, 65% of children were born in first birth. During this period it has been defined that the average number of births in the city of Tyumen is less than in the rural areas of the south of the Tyumen region, and less than among the indigenous women in the north of the region (Khanty and Mansi). Discussion and Conclusion. In the studied period, the dynamic of increase of the age of women in labor is obvious. One of the reasons for this trend is the increase count of mothers giving birth again. The financial support from the state makes possible to implement the two-child and large family model in Russia. But it should be aware of the increased risk of biological problems in the group of older women. It is advisable to discuss the negative consequences of delayed motherhood, for example, through the education system. The material of the article is useful, first of all, for future parents.

The clinico-pathological characteristics of surgically treated young women with NSCLC.

Non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed in young patients is rare. Younger patients with lung cancer are mostly female and have a more advanced stage at initial diagnosis. To our knowledge, no studies have compared single-surgical treatment in different age groups among women. Our study aimed to elucidate the clinicopathological characteristics and the best strategies for surgically treating young women with non-small-cell lung cancer. The data were collected retrospectively from the Polish Lung Cancer Study Group database. Women who were surgically treated for non-small-cell lung cancer between 2007 and 2020 were included in the study. The participants (n=11,460) were divided into two subgroups: aged ≤55 and >55 years. Statistically significant differences were found for grades IB, IIA, IIIA, and IIIB (22.8% vs. 24.5%, 5.3% vs. 7.5%, 19.3% vs. 15.8%, 5.8% vs. 3.2%, for younger and older women, respectively, all P<0.001). The univariate analysis showed a higher percentage of 5-year survival in the group of younger women than in older women (0.67 vs. 0.64, P=0.00076). Regarding the stage of advancement, statistically significant differences in survival were found for stages IA1, IA2, and IIIA (0.95 vs. 0.86, P=0.047; 0.88 vs. 0.79, P=0.003; 0.5 vs. 0.42, for younger and older women, respectively, all P=0.01). Postoperative complications were more common in older than younger women (27.6% vs. 23.1%, P<0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the number of hospitalization days since surgery and postoperative 30-day mortality. Younger women treated surgically were characterized by a lower percentage of comorbidities, were treated in a more advanced stage of the disease and had a lower percentage of postoperative complications, which, however, did not affect the hospitalization time. Despite the more advanced stage of the disease, survival in selected stages was much better than in the group of older women.

Sleep disorders, cardiovascular symptoms and body weight dynamics in women with post-COVID-19 syndrome

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health problem worldwide. The consequences of the new coronavirus infection continue to be studied. Cardiovascular symptoms and sleep disorders are among the dominant complaints in postCOVID-19 syndrome in women.Aim. To assess sleep disorders, cardiovascular symptoms, body weight dynamics and their statistical relationships in women with post-COVID-19 syndrome.Materials and methods. Using a voluntary anonymous questionnaire, we assessed cardiovascular symptoms, body weight dynamics and sleep disorders in 253 women of different age groups who had COVID-19 at least 12 weeks ago. The severity of dyspnea was assessed using the mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council) scale. Resting heart rate was measured. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the StatPlus 2009 Professional program.Results and discussion. Among the manifestations of the cardiovascular system in post-COVID-19 syndrome in women of different age groups, palpitations, shortness of breath, and increased blood pressure predominate. There is a statistical pattern in the increased prevalence of rises in blood pressure in post-COVID-19 syndrome among women, depending on age. A variety of sleep disorders occur in all age groups of women, most often in the group of older women. Statistical relationships between sleep disorders and increased blood pressure, severity of dyspnea, palpitations in post-COVID-19 syndrome in women of different age groups were revealed. Severe dyspnea in post-COVID-19 syndrome was frequent noticed in older women. Weight loss in women with post-COVID-19 syndrome is associated with sleep disorders.Conclusions. Cardiovascular symptoms and sleep disorders in post-COVID-19 syndrome in women of different age groups are closely interrelated. The management of patients in post-COVID-19 syndrome should be carried out taking into account the diversity and interaction of various clinical manifestations. Correction of the identified violations should be comprehensive, based on an interdisciplinary approach of various specialists.

Do Body Composition and Values of Selected Nutritional Status Indices Influence the Glycaemic Index Values of Vegetarian Dishes? A Pilot Study in a Group of Older Women.

An ageing population brings with it the need for public policy to respond to the demands and health needs of this group of people. The ageing process has been shown to be associated with changes in body composition. These mainly concern a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat. Body composition and other indicators of nutritional status are important factors differentiating carbohydrate management. Glycaemic index (GI) values may be affected by differences resulting from individual metabolism. The rate of carbohydrate digestion is also influenced by a number of factors, including the degree to which the product is processed, the structure of the starch, and the presence of protein, fat and dietary fibre. Available studies do not provide information on the glycaemic response following the consumption of specific products by older people with varying BMI and body composition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the body mass index (BMI) values of women aged 50–80 years on the glycaemic response after eating vegetarian meals and the influence of selected indices of nutritional status on their GI values. It has been shown that the areas under the glycaemic curves after the consumption of the tested foods, both traditional and modified, are higher in the group of overweight and obese women. Nevertheless, the GI of meals consumed by those with a BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 is lower than that of foods consumed by women with normal values of this index. In the group of women with BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, on the basis of an analysis of the obtained correlations, it was observed that the GI value of modified products depends on the percentage of body fat (FM%) (p = 0.0363) and the percentage of fat free mass (FFM%) (p = 0.0363), and, in the case of traditional products, also on the percentage of total body water (%) (p = 0.0133). In the group of women with a BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, significant correlations were only found between the GI of modified foods and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (p = 0.0363) and the ratio of waist circumference to height (WHtR) (p = 0.0369) indices. The GI values of food set solely with the participation of young, healthy people should not be the basis for the nutrition planning of all groups of people.

Gluteal muscle fatty infiltration, fall risk, and mobility limitation in older women with urinary incontinence: a pilot study.

Gluteal muscle quality influences risk of falling and mobility limitation. We sought (1) to compare gluteal muscle fatty infiltration (FI) between groups of older women with urinary incontinence (UI) at risk for falling (at-risk group) and not at risk for falling (not-at-risk group), and (2) to determine correlation of gluteal FI with Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) performance. Prospective pilot study of gluteal FI on pelvis MRI for 19 women with UI, aged ≥ 70years. A musculoskeletal radiologist selected axial T1-weighted MR images; then, two blinded medical student research assistants analyzed gluteal FI by quantitative fuzzy C-means segmentation. TUG and SPPB tests were performed. TUG ≥ 12s defined participants as at risk for falling. Descriptive, correlation, and reliability analyses were performed. Mean age, 76.3 ± 4.8years; no difference for age or body mass index (BMI) between the at-risk (n = 5) versus not-at-risk (n = 14) groups. SPPB score (p = 0.013) was lower for the at-risk group (6.4 ± 3.1) than for the not-at-risk group (10.2 ± 1.9). Fuzzy C-means FI-%-estimate differed between the at-risk group and the not-at-risk group for bilateral gluteus medius/minimus (33.2% ± 15.6% versus 19.5% ± 4.1%, p = 0.037) and bilateral gluteus maximus (33.6% ± 15.6% versus 19.7% ± 6.9%, p = 0.047). Fuzzy C-means FI-%-estimate for bilateral gluteus maximus had significant (p < 0.050) moderate correlation with age (rho = - 0.64), BMI (rho = 0.65), and TUG performance (rho = 0.52). Fuzzy C-means FI-%-estimates showed excellent inter-observer and intra-observer reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ≥ 0.892). Older women with UI at risk for falling have greater levels of gluteal FI and mobility limitation as compared to those not at risk for falling.

Associations between objectively measured pattern of physical activity, sedentary behavior and fear of falling in Chinese community-dwelling older women

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations of objectively-measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) patterns with fear of falling (FOF) in Chinese community-dwelling older women. Data from Physical Activity and Health in Older Women Study were analyzed for 1101 older women aged 60 to 70. Variables were demographics, objectively-measured PA, SB and FOF. Logistic regressions were conducted. All SB variables, light-intensity PA variable and bouted moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) were not associated with FOF. Total MVPA, sporadic MVPA and steps were independently associated with FOF. Multivariable-adjusted ORs in fully-adjusted models were 0.61, 0.59; 0.73, 0.62; 0.72, 0.59 for increasing tertiles of total MVPA time, sporadic MVPA time, and steps per day, respectively. The current finding which enables encourages PA in older women group could be complemented to maximize the overall level of potential public healthcare gains especially in community dwelling older population.

Exploring how older women want to be portrayed in advertisements

Previous research has demonstrated that older women carry a stigmatized identity in society and are severely underrepresented in advertisements in all types of media around the world. Brands have been admonished to increase the presence of older women in their ads. However, it is unclear how older women wish to be depicted in ads. This study used an interpretative phenomenology analysis (IPA) approach to explore older women’s preferences regarding model appearance and roles in ads targeted toward them. Interviews were conducted with twenty women aged 53 to 71; all were white, none were severely disabled, and none were in financial distress. Participants expressed a preference for belonging: to see models that represent their actual age shown in groups of older women or with women of different ages. In addition, common advertising stereotypes were reframed using participants’ preferences to portray authentic identities: from ageless beauty to age-appropriate and attractive, and from traditional granny to woman of purpose. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Ankle complex proprioception and plantar cutaneous sensation in older women with different physical activity levels

Ankle complex proprioception and plantar sole sensitivity have been separately reported to be essential sensory components in balance control among the elderly. However, their inter-relationship is still unknown. Further, although optimal proprioceptive ability has been related to regular physical exercise, the association between physical activity (PA) levels, ankle proprioceptive acuity and plantar cutaneous sensation is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to compare ankle proprioceptive acuity and plantar cutaneous sensitivity scores between groups of older women with different PA levels, and to determine any relationships between plantar sole cutaneous sensitivity, ankle proprioceptive performance and PA levels. 68 older female participants were recruited who were distributed over three PA levels: highly active, moderately active, and inactive. PA level was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Ankle proprioceptive acuity was tested in full weight-bearing stance using the ankle Active Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus (AMEDA) and plantar cutaneous sensitivity was assessed with the Nylon Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments test. Results showed that ankle proprioceptive acuity scores were strongly positively related to plantar sole sensitivity scores (r = 0.80, p < 0.001; effect size: η2 = 0.715), and both scores correlated with PA level. In conclusion, plantar cutaneous sensitivity and ankle complex proprioception were strongly correlated in older females with different levels of physical activity, suggesting that the former may be an integral part of the latter. Given the previously reported contribution of AMEDA ankle proprioceptive acuity to sport performance level, the health of the plantar sole of the foot may be important as a performance determinant.

Quantitative HBsAg and HBV DNA levels: correlation in pregnant women with hepatitis B virus infection in Southern Viet Nam

Serum HBV DNA levels reflect the ability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to spread and replicate. In pregnant women, when HBV DNA levels are more than 200,000 IU/mL, they are advised to use antiviral therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). However, the HBV DNA test is expensive and not available in all health facilities. Quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) assay is cheaper and may replace the HBV DNA test. Objective. To determine the correlation between qHBsAg and HBV DNA levels in pregnant women. Patients and methods. Pregnant women with HBV were recruited in three hospitals from October 2019 to November 2020. A total of 665 women were examined. Among them, 417 women in the quantification range of HBV DNA test were selected for analysis. The mean age was 29.30 years (range: 18–43). The blood samples were taken for the qHBsAg assay and viral load test. The qHBsAg test was quantified by electrochemiluminescence, and the viral load test was measured by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results. There was a strong correlation between qHBsAg and HBV DNA levels (r = 0.64, p &lt; 0.001; n = 417). The correlation was strong in the HBeAg-positive group (r = 0.79, p &lt; 0.001; n = 112), and there was no correlation in the HBeAg-negative group (r = 0.06, p = 0.41; n = 177). This correlation was stronger in the group of young women (18–35 years old) than in the group of older women (36–43 years old). Conclusion. In pregnant women with HBV infection, qHBsAg and viral load levels had a positive correlation, especially in the HBeAg-positive and the young women groups. The qHBsAg assay may replace the HBV DNA test when deciding on antiviral treatment in facilities with limited conditions to prevent MTCT. Key words: hepatitis B virus, quantitative HBsAg, HBV DNA test, pregnant women, mother-to-child transmission