Young Elderly Women Research Articles

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy use trends among older women with breast cancer: 2010-2017.

This study assessed chemotherapy use trends before (neoadjuvant chemotherapy [NAC]) or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy [AdC]) among older women with breast cancer and examined factors related to NAC receipt. Women (> 65years) diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer during 2010-2017 who received NAC or AdC were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. All patients were stratified into six strata based on subtype (hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative [HR + /HER2-], HER2 + , and triple-negative breast cancer [TNBC]) and stage (I-II and III). Cochran-Armitage tests were performed to test temporal trends of NAC use in each stratum. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors (sociodemographic and clinical) related to NAC use. Among included older (mean ± standard deviation: 72.3 ± 5.2years) women (N = 8,495) with stage I-III breast cancer, NAC use increased from 11.7% (2010) to 32.6% (2017). Significant increases in NAC were found in all strata (p < .0001) with more substantial increases in HER2 + disease and TNBC compared to HR + /HER2- disease. Multivariable logistic regressions identified the youngest age category (66-69years) and later stage as significant (p < 0.05) predictors of NAC receipt in most strata, in addition to diagnosis year. Similar to the overall breast cancer population, NAC use increased among a population of older women. NAC was received by most patients with stage III HER2 + disease or TNBC in more recent years and was more common among younger elderly women and those in stage III.

Effects of water pilates on urinary loss, genital self-image and sexual function of elderly women

Descriptive, quasi experimental study with pre and post-test, which aimed to investigate the effects of Water Pilates (PA) on urinary incontinence, genital self-image and sexual function of elderly women. The sample consisted of seventeen elderly women aged 60 years or over, from a city in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was used as instruments to assess the impact of UI in quality of life and qualify urinary loss, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess sexual function and Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) to assess women's perception of their own genitalia. The PA protocol was performed twice a week for 50 minutes performed for eight weeks, totaling 16 sessions. The protocol was divided into warm-up, strengthening exercises and stretching. It was observed that the sample was composed of young elderly women (69.5 ± 5.9 years), overweight and with low FSFI and FGSIS scores. There was no significant change in the mean values before and after the intervention of the ICIQ-SF, FGSIS and FSFI scores. It was concluded that the PA method had no effect on urinary loss, sexual function and genital self-image.

Effect of Concurrent Training Order With Electromyostimulation on Physical Performance in Young Elderly Women

Objective: Aging is one of the stages of life that needs special attention due to the special conditions of this period of life. Inactivity and myasthenia due to aging are important factors in reducing the physical and functional activities in the elderly, which can affect their quality of life. On the other hand, electromyostimulation (EMS) is one of the modern training methods that can be suitable for disabilities in the elderly. Also, the training sequence in concurrent training is one of the variables of training that can affect its adaptations. This study aimed to compare the effect of exercise sequence in concurrent training with EMS on the motor performance of elderly women. Materials &amp; Methods: In this semi-experimental single-blinded study, 50 healthy elderly female volunteers, age range of 60-70 years, were selected by random sampling divided randomly into the following groups (each group of 10 people): Aerobic-resistance training with EMS, resistance-aerobic exercise with EMS, rotational exercise (change of priority periodically in training sessions) with EMS, and rotational and control (without training) groups. The training protocol consisted of twelve weeks of exercise, three sessions per week, and each session three stages of warm-up (10-15 minutes), main exercises (20 minutes) and cooling (10 minutes). The main training program consisted of 20 minutes of parallel combination exercises, which were two 10-minute steps with a 3-5 minute intervals. Aerobic exercises were performed with the intensity of 70%-50% of maximum oxygen consumption and resistance exercises using body weight and elastic bands for different muscle groups. The training schedule was the same for all groups in terms of volume and intensity, with the only difference being in the exercise sequence and EMS presentation. Strength of the upper and lower torso muscles were measured with chest press and seated leg extension, respectively, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) with a one-mile Rockport walking test, muscular endurance with a 2-minute marching on a spot-test and lower torso strength with a walking test on the slope in two stages before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using dependent t-tests and Covariance Analysis (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test using SPSS software V. 22 and P≥0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant increase was observed in all measured dependent variables relative to the baseline values (P&lt;0.001). In the study of intergroup changes, a significant increase was observed in VO2 max level, upper and lower torso strength, and muscular endurance in all of the intervention groups compared to the control group (P&lt;0.001), but lower torso strength was significant only in the intervention groups with EMS compared to the control group (P&lt;0.001). VO2 max changes and the lower torso strength in training groups with EMS were significantly higher than the groups without EMS (P&lt;0.01). Also, the upper torso strength and the endurance of the lower torso muscles in the group with the priority of resistance training with EMS were higher than the combination group without EMS (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be said that combined concurrent exercises are a useful method in promoting physical fitness and physical performance of elderly women, and the use of EMS can increase the effectiveness of adaptations resulting from exercise, especially lower torso strength in the elderly and can prevent complications associated with myasthenia. On the other hand, the training sequence with the priority of resistance training can be effective in increasing the effect of exercise on the variables of upper torso muscle strength and muscular endurance, but it does not have a significant effect on lower torso strength, cardiorespiratory endurance and lower torso strength.

Perfil clínico e funcional de idosos atendidos em centro de referência em um município do Amazonas

Objetivo: Traçar o perfil clínico e funcional de idosos atendidos em um centro de referência em saúde do idoso. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo, retrospectivo e documental, envolvendo 74 prontuários de idosos atendidos em um ambulatório de referência em saúde do idoso, localizado em um município amazonense. Utilizou-se uma ficha de avaliação fisioterapêutica dos usuários, além do Índice de Katz e Índice de Lawton para avaliação da capacidade funcional. Resultados: Os prontuários mostraram um perfil com predomínio de indivíduos considerados idosos jovens, do sexo feminino, caracterizados como independentes tanto pela classificação do índice de Katz, quanto pelo Índice de Lawton, não inseridos no mercado de trabalho, com presença de pelo menos 2 comorbidades e prevalência de doenças reumáticas e traumato-ortopédicas. Conclusão: O perfil do idoso atendido no centro de referência mostra predomínio de idosos jovens, com maior grau de independência funcional e prevalência de doenças reumáticas e traumato-ortopédicas, além de outras comorbidades. Determinar as características da população assistida poderá contribuir para o desempenho efetivo de toda a equipe, além da elaboração de medidas preventivas, intervenções efetivas, assim como o planejamento de políticas públicas em saúde do idoso.

GAIT CHARACTERISTICS OF ELDERLY WOMEN IN OVERGROUND, ASCENT AND DESCENT WALKWAY CONDITIONS

Gait assessment is important for identification of potential faller among the elderly populations. Slope walking is associated with fall risk factor and elderly women have higher fall rate compared with elderly men. Therefore, this study investigated gait characteristics of elderly women in overground and slope walkway conditions. Thirty healthy elderly women (15 younger-elderly women and 15 older-elderly women) walked along the linear walkway including three walking conditions (overground, ascent and descent conditions). Temporal gait variables and normalized peak vertical GRF (ground reaction force) variables were derived from commercial motion analysis software. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was evaluated to compare mean differences of the three conditions and mean difference between younger and older elderly women. All gait characteristics were significantly different from the slope walking conditions ([Formula: see text]). Elderly women walked with longer loading response and mid stance phase during descent walking. Also, ascent walking induced a longer terminal stance phase. Interactions of age and walkway conditions were also significant in vertical GRF, where older-elderly women were greater than younger-elderly women in ascent walkway condition ([Formula: see text]) and in descent walkway condition ([Formula: see text]). These findings suggest that specific-walkway condition should be considered for fall prevention and clinical interventions in elderly women.

The Mediating Effects of Subjective Health Status on the Relationship between Relatedness and Participation in Exercise by Younger Elderly Women

Purpose In this study the mediating effects of subjective health status on the relationship between relatedness and participation in exercise in younger elderly women were examined. Methods This study was a cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaires including questions on general characteristics, relatedness, subjective health status and participation in exercise. From September to October 2018, 122 women were recruited from two general welfare facilities for elders in J city. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, Point-biserial correlation, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression using Baron and Kenny steps for mediation. Results The mean score for relatedness was 3.37±0.75 (range of scale 1~5) and the mean score for subjective health status was 3.10±0.97 (range of scale 1~5). The participation rate in exercise was 68.9%. There were significant positive correlations among relatedness, subjective health status and participation in exercise. Subjective health status had a partial mediating effect (β=.28, p=.001) in the relationship between relatedness and participation in exercise (Sobel test: Z=3.07, p=.002). Conclusion Based on these results, development of interventions to improve the subjective health status of elderly women are necessary in order to encourage them to participate in exercise. 주요어: ë ¸ì¸, 여성, 운동, 건강상태, 관계성 Key Words: Aged, Female, Exercise, Health status, Sociological factors

Reliability and Validity of the Revised Successive-Choice Step Reaction Test in Elderly Women

Falls occur unexpectedly in elderly individuals. Even when they pay close attention, they have difficulty avoiding falls. Therefore, these individuals must make fall-avoidance movements instantly-namely, quick one-step forward reactions (compensatory steps) when falls occur. This study examined the reliability and validity of a newly developed step reaction test for elderly women. The subjects included 22 young elderly women (65-74 years old) and 28 older elderly women (75-90 years old) with exercise habits, 22 young elderly women and 20 older elderly women without exercise habits, and 23 young women. Subjects stood in the middle of eight test sheets and then stepped rapidly onto the sheet indicated at random on the computer screen. A sum of the time from stimulus presentation to step landing on each sheet was used as an evaluation variable (movement time). The reliability of the test was high (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.84-0.97). The results of one-way analysis of variance and multiple comparison tests showed that mean movement time increased in the order young subjects, young elderly subjects, older elderly subjects with exercise habits, and older elderly subjects without exercise habits. In addition, a significant decrease in movement time with age was found in elderly subjects without exercise habits (r = 0.65) but not in elderly subjects with exercise habits. In conclusion, the new step reaction test showed high reliability and validity.

Comparison of social support network and expectation of care among elderly persons with different home arrangements

Abstract Objective: To compare the social support network and expectation of care among elderly persons who live alone and those who live with others. Method: A cross-sectional study with 348 elderly people living in the community in the municipal region of Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso, Brazil was performed. The elderly were interviewed using a questionnaire composed of socio-demographic issues; evaluation tools of basic and instrumental activities of daily living; and care expectation and perceived social support network. The data were submitted to descriptive and comparative statistical analysis, the chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test at a significance level of 5%. Results: Most of the interviewees were younger elderly women. Of these,14.66% lived alone and 85.34% lived with other people, with mainly bi-generation family arrangements. The majority stated that they had fair health, had up to two diseases, were dependent in instrumental activities of daily living and independent in self-care activities. Elderly persons who lived with others relied on their family, and the expectation of care was aimed at a daughter or daughter-in-law; while those who lived alone expected to rely on neighbors or friends to help with their tasks, if needed. Conclusion: Family members are the greatest providers of support and care, and the elderly hope to count on them when they need help in carrying out basic and instrumental activities of daily living.

Body Composition and Hydration Status in Young Elderly Women after 6 Weeks’ Monavie Juice Supplementation

This study was designed to determine the influence of 6 weeks’ MonaVie juice supplementation on body composition and hydration status in young elderly physically active women. Sixteen women, students of University of Third Age, were recruited for this study. All women were physically active (daily energy expenditure 1681.8 ± 297.6 kcal/d). Women were divided into 2 groups: 8 of them applied a supplement MonaVie juice (100 ml/d) (S) for 6 weeks, while the eight other women were allocated to the control group (C). There were measured: BW, Fat%, TBW, Hb, HCT and erythrocyte indices: RBC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Based on Hb and HCT were calculated changes: blood (del BV%), plasma (del PV%) and cell (del CV%) volumes in C and S group. Before experiment all body components and hematologic indices were similar in C and S group. After 6 weeks of MonaVie supplementation no significant changes in body composition but significant decrease: (MCH), (MCHC) and an increase cell volume CV% + 2.89 ± 1.24% were found. In control group after 6 weeks period there were no significant changes in body components and hematological indices. These observations suggest that MonaVie supplementation does not induce significant changes in body composition and hydration status in young elderly women, however causes an increase of cells volume and a decrease of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.

Improvement of Stance Control and Muscle Performance Induced by Focal Muscle Vibration in Young-Elderly Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Filippi GM, Brunetti O, Botti FM, Panichi R, Roscini M, Camerota F, Cesari M, Pettorossi VE. Improvement of stance control and muscle performance induced by focal muscle vibration in young-elderly women: a randomized controlled trial. Objective To determine the effect of a particular protocol of mechanical vibration, applied focally and repeatedly (repeated muscle vibration [rMV]) on the quadriceps muscles, on stance and lower-extremity muscle power of young-elderly women. Design Double-blind randomized controlled trial; 3-month follow-up after intervention. Setting Human Physiology Laboratories, University of Perugia, Italy. Participants Sedentary women volunteers (N=60), randomized in 3 groups (mean age ± SD, 65.3±4.2y; range, 60–72). Intervention rMV (100Hz, 300–500μm, in three 10-minute sessions a day for 3 consecutive days) was applied to voluntary contracted quadriceps (vibrated and contracted group) and relaxed quadriceps (vibrated and relaxed group). A third group received placebo stimulation (nonvibrated group). Main Outcome Measures Area of sway of the center of pressure, vertical jump height, and leg power. Results Twenty-four hours after the end of the complete series of applications, the area of sway of the center of pressure decreased significantly by approximately 20%, vertical jump increased by approximately 55%, and leg power increased by approximately 35%. These effects were maintained for at least 90 days after treatment. Conclusions rMV is a short-lasting and noninvasive protocol that can significantly and persistently improve muscle performance in sedentary young-elderly women.

Cognitive Impairment and Depression in Community-Dwelling Older Korean Women

Cognitive impairment and depression were investigated in older Korean women. 143 Korean women (M age = 75.8) attending four senior service community centers in Seoul participated. 27% scored as possibly demented and 15% as demented on the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. 57% scored as depressed on the Korean Geriatric Depression Scale. Younger elderly women (ages 65-74 years) displayed less cognitive impairment than older women. Older elderly Korean women (> 75 yr.) who lived with their spouses scored as more cognitively stable than those who lived without spouses. Those with inadequate income scored higher on Depression, which was inversely correlated with cognitive function in the entire sample. Dementia and depression were found to be more frequent in this elderly sample than previously reported by the Korean government.

The Effects of 16-Week Group Exercise Program on Physical Function and Mental Health of Elderly Korean Women in Long-Term Assisted Living Facility

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 16-week group exercise program on the physical function (ie, strength, flexibility, and balance) and mental health (ie, self-esteem and depression) of older elderlyl women (>or=75 years old) compared with younger elderly women (<75 years old). Exercise is crucial in maintaining older women's health and well-being. However, because most elders have at least one chronic disease, their physical function declines, so their dependence on others for instrumental daily living activities often increases. Older women typically have multiple barriers to participation in physical activities including higher disability rates. Of the total of 40 older women (older than 65 years) enrolled, 21 were older elders and 16 were younger elders. Lower body strength (using 30-second chair test), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), and static balance (ability to balance on one leg with open and closed eyes) were assessed. Self-esteem (using Rosenberg's Self-esteem Questionnaire) and depressive symptoms (using Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale) were assessed. Two-way analysis of variance was used to examine the differences between the 2 age groups. The intervention program was effective in improving body strength, flexibility, static balance, and self-esteem, regardless of age. Furthermore, older elders receiving the intervention program demonstrated greater improvement in self-esteem than younger elders did, although there were intervention effects in both age groups. Elderly women can realize benefits from a group exercise program that can improve their functional ability and self-esteem, both important to cardiovascular health.