Clinical Research Directory

Relationship Between Neuropathic Pain and Geriatric Assessment Parameters in Patients Aged 80 Years and Older

This study aimed to determine the frequency of neuropathic pain in individuals aged 80 years and older and to evaluate the relationship between neuropathic pain and comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters.

Implementing an Evidence-based Exercise Program to Reduce Falls in Community-dwelling Older Adults (Otago)

Falls are a major health care problem for seniors. The Otago Exercise Program, which consists of strength and balance training delivered by a physiotherapist, can reduce falls in this population. We will test two methods to deliver the Otago program. These will include a new coaching approach by a physiotherapist with the use of a Fitbit to provide feedback versus the traditional delivery. The degree to which the program is delivered as intended by physiotherapists as well as the number of falls, risk of falling, and participation in walking activities in older adults will be assessed over 24 months. Lastly, we will assess if the coaching approach is a cost-effective option.

Impact of a Physical Exercise Program in a Rural Area

With this work we want to assess whether there are differences in the amount of physical activity per week, measured by accelerometry in 3 groups of subjects, where one group (G1) has been carrying out a PA program called "Enguera Sé Saludable" for a year. another group (G2) newly introduced to the same exercise program, and a control group (G3) that does not carry out an exercise program but declared itself active.

Efficacy of Subclavian Vein/Artery Diameter Index in Predicting the Incidence of the Spinal-Induced Hypotension in Geriatric Patients

The hypothesis of the study will be that the subclavian vein/subclavian artery diameter (SCVD/SCAD) index will be a good predictor of spinal-induced hypotension in geriatric patients.

Multicomponent Prehabilitation and Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Frailty

The study is designed to investigate the effect of a multicomponent prehabilitation pathway on early and long-term outcomes in elderly patients with frailty recovering from surgery for digestive cancer.

Swedish Palliative Care Guide (S-PCG) at Nursing Homes

Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients and families who are affected life-threatening, incurable disease. The care should be person-centred, but it is not entirely clear how this is best achieved. The Institute for Palliative Care, Lund, has developed the Swedish Palliative Care Guide (S-PCG) which support for a person-centred approach throughout the palliative care process. The aim of this study is to improve palliative care for people living at nursing homes, including people with dementia and cognitive impairment, this will be achieved by providing support for health care staff working with this group of patients, investigating evidence for a palliative care the support tool, the Swedish Palliative Care Guide (S-PCG) part 2, and integrating the palliative care approach earlier in the disease trajectory, to improve the quality of care for this patient group. The research questions will be explored from the perspective of the patient, the family, and the staff.

Dual Task Perturbation Training for OAwMCI

Studies have determined that compared to cognitively intact older adults (CIOA), older adults with mild cognitive impairment (OAwMCI) exhibit more pronounced balance and gait impairments which lead to an increased risk of falls and mobility decline. Such impairments are evident during dual-tasking (i.e., simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor task) and OAwMCI have demonstrated an increased cognitive-motor interference (deteriorated performance of either or both cognitive/motor task). Furthermore, our preliminary laboratory findings indicate that compared to CIOA, OAwMCI in response to large-magnitude treadmill perturbations exhibits poor reactive responses (first line of defense against balance loss) and are unable to modulate their responses as the magnitude of perturbation increases. Despite that conventional exercise methods offer beneficial effects; they comprise of self-initiated task-specific exercises and may not focus on training reactive responses. Additionally, due to the presence of subtle balance and gait deficits, clinical measures used may not be sensitive enough to determine the risk of fall post-training. Furthermore, these training methods incorporate multiple sessions due to which adherence to exercise training is difficult with only a fraction of the older adults benefiting from it. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate a task-specific strategy that promotes factors associated with falling like balance control, muscular responses, coordination of limbs, and cognition through which OAwMCI may acquire maximum benefits to prevent a balance loss. One feasible method, which harnesses technology that can be used to deliver balance disturbances either while standing or walking in a consistent and controlled manner, is via a custom-based motorized treadmill. The scientific rigor from preliminary studies has reported a successful reduction of falls through a single session exposing CIOA to multiple treadmill-induced perturbations during gait and has shown significant improvement in reactive responses. For that reason, this stage 1 pilot study will examine the feasibility, applicability, and tolerability of a combined cognitive, and perturbation training on biomechanical determinants associated with falls and promote physical activity: kinematic variables, muscular responses, and cognitive function.

Significant Activities in the Integrated Person-centered Care Model

The increasing life expectancy and global aging population necessitate changes in long-term gerontological services based on Person-Centred Care approaches. This study aims to improve Person-Centred Care in geriatric centers through meaningful activities and the role of occupational therapists and direct care professionals in developing these activities. A descriptive cross-sectional quasi-experimental design was proposed, with 10 participants.

Assessment of Depression Levels in Elderly Patients With an Orthopedic Fracture Compared to Patients After a Stroke.

Depression is common among elderly patients hospitalized due to acute conditions like strokes or osteoporotic fractures. It has significant impacts on quality of life, hospitalization rates, and mortality. Although studies have explored depression and its assessment, most focus on non-geriatric or ambulatory populations. This study examined depressive symptoms in elderly patients after a stroke or fracture. We assessed all patients for depression symptoms using the validated Geriatric Depression Scale - 15 item (GDS-15) and searched for contributing factors in each condition.

Brain Gym Therapy on Quality of Sleep Among Elderly People

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of Brain Gym Therapy on the quality of sleep among elderly individuals attending healthcare facilities. The study will explore whether this non-pharmacological intervention can improve sleep quality, which is often compromised in the elderly population due to various health conditions and age-related changes. Participants will undergo Brain Gym Therapy sessions over a specified period, and their sleep quality will be assessed using validated sleep measurement tools. The findings may provide insights into alternative methods for enhancing sleep in older adults.

The Effect of Home Visit Supported Nursing Education Program on Some Parameters in Elderly People Living Alone at Home

It is aimed to develop healthy lifestyle behaviors of elderly people living alone at home, reduce their loneliness levels and increase their social support capacity.The research was planned as a quasi-experimental research. The research population consists of elderly people living alone at home who are registered to the Elderly and Home Care Unit of a Municipality of a province.

Effectiveness of 8 Week Multicomponent Exercise Program in Older Adults With Frailty and Cognitive Impairment

Multicomponent exercise program in a frail population. It is analyzed whether there is an improvement in different parameters of the daily life of the study subjects, analyzing the variables of: physical condition, fragility, balance, quality of life, upper limb strength, autonomy, cognitive state and depression.

Hydraulic Resistance and Older Adults

The goal of this quasi-experimental study using a pre and post test design is to learn about the effect of participating in an exercise program with hydraulic exercise equipment on fall risk in the older adult population. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the use of hydraulic exercise equipment decrease fall risk in older adults? * Does the use of hydraulic exercise equipment improve function in older adults? Participants will be evaluated pre and post intervention for strength, fall risk using Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment, Timed Up and Go, and functional ability using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Participants will engage in an exercise program using 5 different pieces of hydraulic exercise equipment (Frei FACTUM® novus II line) 2x/week for for 6 weeks for 30-45 minutes each session. The equipment uses concentric movements only and works agonist and antagonist muscles with each machine (IE: push and pull, both concentric).