Non-slip Mat Research Articles

A Review Article: Fall Incidents and Interior Architecture— Influence of Executive Function in Normal Ageing

Many ageing people are staying at home, whether they are self-isolating or social distancing, because of the current Covid-19 situation. Fall incidents at home among the ageing are significantly associated with a high level of mortality. Bathrooms are frequently reported as a major environmental hazard in connection with falls. This serious health risk raises the matter of interior architecture. In terms of preventing falls, more architectural research focuses on interior elements e.g., handrail design, and non-slip mat, whilst less attention is paid to the issue of how ageing causes falls. Therefore, this article sheds light on the normal ageing process through an executive function that helps in the fall prevention of ageing people via decision-making and problem-solving. Normal ageing gradually results in declining executive function, including cognitive and motor functions, which limits and reduces day to day activities. The cognitive function (as a system) involves processing speed, accuracy in response, and error response whereas the motor function (as a mechanism) defines both gross and fine motor functions. A combination of cognitive and motor functions reflects conditions that may lead to a fall. Regarding the executive function, interior architecture for preventing falls in normal ageing people is strongly encouraged e.g., clear layout, timesaving activity, simplicity of design, lighting uniformity, short walking distance, cased opening, lightweight fixtures, and fine texture flooring. This article reviews the literature to address the knowledge gaps between interior architecture and human-centred design through ageing ergonomics, and employs a behaviour-focused aspect to interpret results for interior architects. Electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, were searched to specify appropriate papers, which were restricted to those in the English language. To improve the quality of the elderly’s life, this article provides recommendations that could assist interior architects in this challenge.

Factors associated with home hazards: Findings from the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study.

Previous studies have investigated home hazards as a risk factor for falls without considering factors associated with the presence of home hazards. The present study aimed to determine patterns of home hazards among urban community-dwelling older Malaysians, and to identify factors contributing to home hazards. Cross-sectional data from the initial wave of the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study were used. Basic demographics were obtained from the Global Questionnaire. Basic and instrumental activities of daily living were measured using the Katz and Lawton-Brody scales, and home hazards were identified using the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool. Participants were also asked if they had fallen in the previous 12 months. Data were analyzed from 1489 participants. Hazards were frequently identified (>30%) in the toilet and bathroom areas (no grab rail, no non-slip mat, distant toilet), slippery floors, no bedside light access and inappropriate footwear. Lower educational attainment, traditional housing, Chinese ethnicity, greater number of home occupants, lower monthly expenditure, poor vision and younger age were the factors independently associated with home hazards. This study provides evidence that home hazards are a product of the interaction of the individual's function within their home environment. Hazards are also influenced by local sociocultural and environmental factors. The relationship between home hazards and falls appears complex and deserves further evaluation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 387-395.

Epidemiology and risk factors of falls among the elderly performing medical examination in community in Shanghai

Objective To investigate the epidemiology of falls and its associated risk factors among the elderly who have medical examination records in community in Shanghai. Methods A total of 16 355 residents aged ≥65 years who underwent medical examination from 10 communities in Shanghai were enrolled. Each participant was required to complete a questionnaire and evaluated by quantitative ultrasound, grip, and timed up and go(TUG)test. Results (1)The incidence of falls was 15.9% in males and 20.1% in females. The proportion of male with fractures after falls was 17.2% while that of female was 31.5%. Moreover, females were more likely to have multiple fractures compared with males. (2)Multivariate logistic regression showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, arthritis, dairy product intake, and the long completion time for TUG test were the risk factors of falls, while gastrointestinal diseases and non-slip mat use in bathroom were shown as protective factors. Conclusions Compared to males, females were more likely to fall and to suffer from multiple fractures after falls. Elderly women and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 1 diabetes, and arthritis were at high risk of falls. Much attention should be paid to these subjects. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2016, 32: 818-823) Key words: Falls; Incidence; Risk factors; Timed up and go test

Methods for managing residents with dysphagia.

Nurses working in nursing homes will care for residents who have dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, on a regular basis. Clear, evidence-based guidelines are necessary for all staff to be able to meet the needs of these residents safely and efficiently. A multidisciplinary approach is important to ensure accurate assessment, devise appropriate care and achieve specific goals. Equipment such as valved beakers, rimmed plates and non-slip mats will help maintain safety during mealtimes. Prescription items, such as fluid thickeners and anticholinergic medication, help to manage the condition and provide comfort during mealtimes and in between. Robust education and training should be in place for all nursing and care staff who care for residents with the condition.

Reibung ? ein unterschätztes Phänomen in der Verpackungslogistik

Logistics Journal : nicht-referierte Veröffentlichungen, Vol. 2007, Iss. Mai - „Geiz ist geil!“ ist das Motto eines Handelshauses. Aber diese Philosophie erweist sich immer häufiger als ungeeignet, längerfristigen Erfolg zu sichern. Oftmals wird gerade aus diesem Grund wieder verstärkt auf Qualität geachtet, auf die Qualität von Produkten, auf die Qualität von Herstellungsprozessen, auf die Qualität von Logistikprozessen etc. Dieser Sinneswandel beeinflusst auch alle Verpackungsprozesse, da diese untrennbar mit der Sicherung der Produktqualität und der sicheren Abwicklung aller logistischen Prozesse verbunden ist. Neben der Forderung nach einem wirtschaftlichen Produktschutz als Kernaufgabe der Verpackung müssen jedoch auch zwingende Vorgaben – beispielsweise seitens des Gesetzgebers (z. B. im Lebensmittelbereich, in der Gefahrgutlogistik, im Straßenverkehrsrecht) – beachtet werden. Das führt u. a. dazu, dass alle verpackten Güter so geschützt sein sollten, dass sie den Belastungen im Transportprozess, aber auch den Belastungen aufgrund von Ladungs- und Ladeeinheitensicherungsmaßnahmen standhalten können. Da sich jedoch nicht alle Ladegüter oder Packstücke beliebig für form- oder kraftschlüssige Sicherungsmaßnahmen eignen, sollte bei der Auslegung von Verpackungsmaßnahmen insbesondere der hilfreichen Wirkung von Reibungskräften zur Reduzierung zusätzlicher Sicherungsmaßnahmen Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet werden.

Evaluation of an osteoporosis and fall risk intervention program for community-dwelling elderly. A quasi-experimental study of behavioral modifications

Osteoporosis and fall fractures are increasing problems amongst the elderly. The aim of this study was to explore whether combined population-based and individual interventions directed at risk factors for osteoporosis and falls result in behavioral changes in an elderly population. A quasi-experimental design was used for the study. Persons aged >or=65 years were randomly selected in the intervention and control community. An intervention program was managed from the primary health care center and delivered to the community. Health education was designed to increase awareness of risk factors for the development of osteoporosis and falling. Questionnaires about lifestyle, health, previous fractures, safety behavior and physical activity level were distributed at baseline in 1989 and at the follow-ups in 1992 and 1994 in both communities. There was a difference of 17.7% between the dual intervention (receiving both population-based and individual interventions) and the control samples regarding the self-reported use of shoe/cane spikes, and a difference of 20.5% regarding the reported "moderate level" of physical activity in 1994. There was an increase in the number of participants in the dual intervention sample who, at baseline, had not reported equipping their homes with non-slip mats and removing loose rugs but who did report these changes in 1994. The increase in the reported use of shoe/cane spikes in the dual intervention sample was observed mainly for the period 1992-1994. A public health intervention model, including both population-based and individual interventions, can contribute to behavioral changes in the prevention of falls and changed physical activity patterns amongst elderly people.

Short‐ and long‐term consequences of thermal variation in the larval environment of anurans

1. To survive adverse or unpredictable conditions in the ontogenetic environment, many organisms retain a level of phenotypic plasticity that allows them to meet the challenges of rapidly changing conditions. Larval anurans are widely known for their ability to modify behaviour, morphology and physiological processes during development, making them an ideal model system for studies of environmental effects on phenotypic traits. Although temperature is one of the most important factors influencing the growth, development and metamorphic condition of larval anurans, many studies have failed to include ecologically relevant thermal fluctuations among their treatments. 2. We compared the growth and age at metamorphosis of striped marsh frogs Limnodynastes peronii raised in a diurnally fluctuating thermal regime and a stable regime of the same mean temperature. We then assessed the long-term effects of the larval environment on the morphology and performance of post-metamorphic frogs. 3. Larval L. peronii from the fluctuating treatment were significantly longer throughout development and metamorphosed about 5 days earlier. Frogs from the fluctuating group metamorphosed at a smaller mass and in poorer condition compared with the stable group, and had proportionally shorter legs. 4. Frogs from the fluctuating group showed greater jumping performance at metamorphosis and less degradation in performance during a 10-week dormancy. Treatment differences in performance could not be explained by whole-animal morphological variation, suggesting improved contractile properties of the muscles in the fluctuating group.

24. Development of Older Adult Falls Prevention Educational Materials

The Calgary Health Region (Alberta, Canada) identified a need to reduce the incidence of senior's falls by 20% by 2006. One of the initial strategies identified was community education through the creation of a brochure and community display. This task was delegated to the Calgary Injury Prevention Coalition's Older Adult Falls Prevention Committee. Review of the literature and local data indicated that 1 in 3 people aged 65 years and older have at least one fall per year and that two thirds of these individuals will fall again within 6 months. Additionally, nearly 1 in 4 people aged 65 years and older seen in Calgary emergency departments after a fall are diagnosed with a hip fracture. The greatest negative impact is that most people with a hip fracture do not regain their former activity level. Astonishingly, 40% of nursing home admissions are a result of falls. The first steps included a review of the literature of preventing falls in the elderly, community education, and brochure development. Once the basic content of the brochure was ready, a local communications company was then contracted to handle design and graphics. Focused evaluation, using 2 different drafts of the brochure, was conducted with a total of 20 local seniors. Information from these focus groups was used in the final brochure. Funding to print the brochure was received from the Calgary Health Region and from a grant. The brochure was launched in November 2002 at a Calgary Trauma Symposium, along with a presentation on older adult falls to trauma care personnel. The Committee developed one display to complement the brochure content. Ongoing dissemination of the brochure has been a challenge with limited financial and human resources. The brochure has been disseminated to local seniors' organizations (15) through committee members and at seniors' health/resource fairs (10). The executive level of the Calgary Health Region has approved the use of the brochure in its acute, community, and long-term care facilities. There is an increase in interest in the issue of falls prevention within the Calgary Health Region since the administration initially identified the need to reduce the incidence of senior's falls. A task force to address the reduction of seniors' falls has been established. Focused testing of educational materials with the target audience is highly recommended to help ensure the messages are appropriate and understood. Use of local photographs in a brochure increases its acceptance by the target audience. The text must be large enough to accommodate the visual changes of the aging population. Displays can “come alive” by adding practical teaching examples (eg, samples of appropriate footwear, nonslip mats, etc) in addition to take-home reading materials. Large quantities of educational materials are required for dissemination to an entire population on an ongoing basis, thus requiring funding and dedicated personnel for such a large task. The Calgary Injury Prevention Coalition's Older Adult Falls Prevention Committee has not had success in requesting corporate dollars for this initiative and plans to seek private grant funding to accomplish these tasks.

Post Discharge Use of Bathing Equipment Prescribed by Occupational Therapists

Prescription of adaptive equipment is a core component of occupational therapy practice. Adaptive equipment can help people with physical limitations to optimize their independence during the completion of activities of daily living. In this paper, we report the results of an audit of patients' use of eight pieces of prescribed bathing equipment eight weeks after discharge from hospital, and analyze the reasons for their patterns of use. Participants were 64 patients (mean age = 70.7 years, 62.5% female), discharged from a metropolitan hospital after treatment for a general medical condition or undergoing a surgical procedure, who had been prescribed one or more pieces of bathing equipment by an occupational therapist. The types of bathing equipment included in this study were shower stools, shower chairs, bath boards, hand held shower hoses, toe wipers, soap bags, nonslip mats, and long handled back brushes. of 90 pieces of bathing equipment prescribed, an overall utilization rate of 71.1% was found. This ranged from 0.0% for long handled back brushes to 100% for shower stools. Patients' perception of the benefit of the equipment, their involvement in its selection, whether they had received training in its use, and whether family members were present during this training were associated with equipment use. The need for a more patient-centred approach in the process of prescribing adaptive equipment is highlighted.