0000000001293465
AUTHOR
Eija Lönnroos
Health and Physical Function Predicting Strength and Balance Training Adoption: A Community-Based Study Among Individuals Aged 75 and Older
This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of health and physical function that are associated with not starting strength and balance training (SBT). The study population consisted of 339 community-dwelling individuals (75–98 years, 72% female). As part of a population-based intervention study they received comprehensive geriatric assessment, physical activity counseling, and had the opportunity to take part in SBT at the gym once a week. Compared with the SBT-adopters, the nonadopters (n = 157, 46%) were older and less physically active, had more comorbidities and lower cognitive abilities, more often had sedative load of drugs or were at the risk of malnutrition, had lower …
Health condition and physical function as predictors of adherence in long-term strength and balance training among community-dwelling older adults
AIM: Strength and balance training (SBT) has remarkable health benefits, but little is known regarding exercise adherence in older adults. We examined the adherence to strength and balance training and determinants of adherence among ≥75 year old adults. METHODS: 182 community-dwelling individuals (aged 75-98 years, 71% female) began group-based SBT as part of a population-based Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly study. Training was offered once a week for 2.3 years. Adherence was defined as the proportion of attended sessions relative to offered sessions. Participants were classified based on their adherence level into low (≤33.3%), moderate (33.4-66.5%) …
Effects of comprehensive geriatric assessment-based individually targeted interventions on mobility of pre-frail and frail community-dwelling older people
Aim To assess the effects of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA)-based individually targeted interventions on the ability to walk 400 m in pre-frail or frail and non-frail community-dwelling older people. Methods A subgroups analysis of a population-based comparative study, the Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly (GeMS) was carried out in the city of Kuopio, Finland, from 2004 to 2007. This study was based on data from 2005 to 2007. The present analysis included 605 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥76 years (mean age 80.9, 70% women), 314 in the intervention and 291 in the control group. Frailty status was assessed in 2005. Mobility was assessed b…
Long-term strength and balance training in prevention of decline in muscle strength and mobility in older adults
Background. Reductions in muscle strength and poor balance may lead to mobility limitations in older age. Aims. We assessed the effects of long-term once-weekly strength and balance training (SBT) on muscle strength and physical functioning in a community-based sample of older adults. Methods. 182 individuals [130 women and 52 men, mean age 80 (SD ± 3.9) years] underwent supervised SBT as part of the Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly study. Training was offered once a week for 2.3 years. Isometric knee extension and flexion strength, chair rise, maximal walking speed, timed up and go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were measured at baseline, after 2-ye…
Physical activity at age of 20-64 years and mobility and muscle strength in old age: a community-based study.
Background. Physical activity in midlife has been related to lower mortality and better health in old age. The present study evaluated whether physical activity at age of 20–64 years was associated with mobility and muscle strength in old age. Methods. A random sample of 1,000 persons was extracted from all the ≥75-year-old people living in Kuopio, Finland, and 679 community-dwelling participants were included in the present analyses. Data on health status, ability to walk outside or 400 m, and physical activity level were obtained through structured interviews. Participants’ walking speed, grip strength, and knee extension strength were measured by physiotherapists. Relationship between ph…
Relationship between functional vision and balance and mobility performance in community-dwelling older adults
Background and Aims: Vision is an important prerequisite for balance control and mobility. The role of objectively measured visual functions has been previously studied but less is known about associations of functional vision. That refers to selfperceived vision-based ability to perform daily activities. The aim was to investigate the relationship between functional vision and balance and mobility performance in a community-based sample of older adults. Methods: This study is part of a Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the Elderly project (GeMS). Participants (576) aged 76 to 100 years (mean age 81 years, 70% women) were interviewed using a seven-item functional vis…