Auswirkungen des ?Slacklinings“ auf die Gleichgewichtsf?higkeit von Senioren

Background

Staying independent and active in old age requires the ability to maintain equilibrium in the best possible way. Because of an increasing life expectancy physical fitness in the elderly is gaining more and more attention. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine whether slackline training for 3?weeks is suited to improve balance control in elderly people aged 60 years and over.

Methods

Thirty-four seniors aged 60?C72 years participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=17) or a control group (n=17). Subjects in the intervention group participated over a period of 3?weeks twice a week for 20?min in slackline training whereas control group subjects got no training. Baseline and post-intervention measurements included two clinical (functional reach test and balance test according to Wydra) and two biomechanical (posturography on a force platform and the BalensoSenso system) assessments to evaluate dynamic and static equilibration.

Results

Subjects who performed slackline training showed highly significant improvement in maintaining equilibrium under dynamic circumstances. Intervention group subjects also showed highly significant progression in static balance in the balance test according to Wydra and significantly reduced the length of sway in narrow stance on the force platform. All other measurements under static conditions showed no significant rise but tendencies of improvement were recorded. The control group demonstrated no significant changes in the post-measurement at all.

Conclusion

The results suggest that slackline training seems to be suited to improve equilibration in elderly people within a very short period of time.     

EQ-5D Versus SF-12 in Coronary Patients: Are They Interchangeable?

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D) utility scores and six-dimensional health state classification (SF-6D) utility scores (derived from the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-12]) by using a large European sample of patients with stable coronary heart disease. Special attention was given to country-specific results.MethodsData from the EURopean Action on Secondary and Primary Prevention by Intervention to Reduce Events III (EUROASPIRE III) survey were used. Patients hospitalized for a coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention, acute myocardial infarction, or myocardial ischemia were interviewed and examined at least 6 months after their acute event. Health-related quality of life was assessed by using the EQ-5D and the SF-12. SF-12 outcomes were converted to SF-6D utility values, allowing comparison between both measures.ResultsBoth EQ-5D and SF-6D results were available for 7472 patients with coronary heart disease from 20 European countries. The measures were significantly correlated (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.536); however, large differences between the two measures remain. A total of 28.8% of the patients reported a ceiling effect on the EQ-5D instrument, whereas only 4.2% of the patients reported full health based on the SF-6D. Especially the mental component does not seem to be completely captured by the EQ-5D instrument. Furthermore, patients with worse EQ-5D outcomes were more likely to have better SF-6D results, whereas patients with better EQ-5D outcomes were more likely to have worse SF-6D results.ConclusionsBoth measures are not interchangeable. Whereas the main disadvantage of the EQ-5D questionnaire is its ceiling effect, the potential advantages of SF-12 might disappear when converting the outcomes into an SF-6D utility, because of the small differences between patients.     

A formative research-guided educational intervention to improve the knowledge and attitudes of seniors towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations

BackgroundAdult influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates in Singapore are low, and factors influencing knowledge and attitudes of seniors towards influenza, pneumonia and their respective vaccines are not well-known. Our study aims to understand the barriers and facilitators towards getting influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations among seniors in Singapore, and subsequently inform the conduct of a relevant community-based educational intervention, as well as evaluate the intervention outcomes.MethodsWe performed a mixed methods study with two components: Firstly, formative research was conducted among community-dwelling seniors, using focus group discussions (FGDs), to understand their knowledge and attitudes towards influenza, pneumonia and their respective vaccines. Next, a quantitative study was conducted to evaluate knowledge of seniors and the effectiveness of an educational intervention.ResultsFour FGDs were organised with 32 participants, who were predominantly female, of lower educational background, and residing in government rental flats. Participants had varying levels of knowledge and many misconceptions about influenza, pneumonia and their respective vaccinations, with concerns about side effects and vaccine effectiveness. The formative research results were used to inform a community-based educational intervention for seniors. Our subsequent evaluation included 604 elderly participants, mainly from lower educational and socio-economic strata, who initially demonstrated poor knowledge scores (median score 5 out of 9, IQR 4-5). Following our intervention, median knowledge score improved to 7 (IQR 6-8) (p < .0001). Significant improvements in knowledge scores were observed across genders, age strata, education levels, and housing types.DiscussionOur formative research identified knowledge gaps among community-dwelling seniors which affected their attitudes towards vaccination uptake. Key findings were taken into consideration when implementing the educational intervention. Our community-based intervention was effective in improving knowledge and attitudes, and could be used as a cue to action for short-term behaviour changes.     

Narrative-focused Group Counseling Improves Intervention Outcomes in Women With Obesity

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of narrative group counseling combined with diet modification and exercise plans on weight loss in Iranian women with obesity.DesignParallel 2-arm clinical trial.ParticipantsFifty-six Iranian women with obesity (aged 18–50 years).InterventionThe intervention group included weekly diet, exercise, and narrative-focused group counseling, whereas the comparison group included dietary modification and exercise sessions for 8 months (32 sessions).Main Outcome MeasureAnthropometric and body composition parameters, blood biochemical parameters (high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, ghrelin, obestatin), physical activities, and appetite scores.AnalysisMcNemar test was used for the variables that were not normally distributed and for scaling. Furthermore, t tests were used to compare quantitative variables with normal distributions. The original P (0.05) was adjusted to P = 0.0031 using the Bonferroni correction.ResultsWeight, body mass index, body fat proportion, and hip circumference decreased significantly in the intervention vs comparison group. Serum low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, appetite score, and ghrelin decreased, whereas obestatin increased significantly in the intervention vs comparison group.Conclusions and ImplicationsNarrative-focused group counseling combined with traditional strategies was effective in achieving significant changes in weight, body mass index, and appetite. Future studies with a more diverse audience and a longer follow-up are warranted.     

浙江省2010年和2013年成年人烟草使用干预效果评估

目的 了解浙江省2010-2013年成年人烟草使用在干预后的效果。方法 采用多阶段、按地理位置进行整群随机抽样，分别在2010年和2013年在浙江省15个县（市、区）对2 000余名15~69岁的居民进行面对面问卷调查并开展干预。结果 2010年和2013年浙江省15~69岁人群现在吸烟率分别为25.77%和25.64%，2010年和2013年15~69岁人群现在吸烟率在男性人群、45~64岁组人群、农村人群、初中文化程度人群的差异均无统计学意义；2010年和2013年浙江省15~69岁每日吸烟者每天醒后30 min以内吸第一支烟的比例分别为42.11%和40.56%，2010年和2013年每日吸烟者每天醒后30 min以内吸第一支烟的比例差异无统计学意义。结论 浙江省男性吸烟人群水平依然处于高平台期，宣传教育类的干预方法的控烟效果不佳。     

The Impact of a Long-Term Reduction in Dietary Energy Density on Body Weight Within a Randomized Diet Trial

We examined the effect of dietary energy density change on body weight in participants of a randomized trial. Intervention participants markedly increased fruit and vegetable intake while reducing energy intake from fat. Participants were 2,718 breast cancer survivors, aged 26–74 yr, with baseline mean body mass index of 27.3 kg/m^{m 2} (SD = 6.3). We assessed dietary intake by sets of four 24-h dietary recalls and validated with plasma carotenoid concentrations. Weight and height were measured at baseline, 1 yr, and 4 yr. Dietary energy density was calculated using food but excluding beverages. Intervention participants significantly reduced dietary energy density compared to controls and maintained it over 4 yr—both in cross-sectional ( P m < 0.0001) and longitudinal (Group m × Time interaction, P m < 0.0001) analyses. Total energy intake or physical activity did not vary between groups. The intervention group had a small but significant weight loss at 1 yr (Group m × Time interaction, P m < 0.0001), but no between-group weight difference was observed at 4 yr. Our study showed that reducing dietary energy density did not result in a reduction in total energy intake and suggests that this strategy alone is not sufficient to promote long-term weight loss in a free-living population.     

A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Impact of Function and Behavior Focused Care for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the Function and Behavior Focused Care for the Cognitively Impaired (FBFC-CI) intervention on function, physical activity, and behavioral symptoms among nursing home residents with dementia, and to explore the adoption of the intervention at the facility level.DesignThis study was a clustered, randomized controlled trial with a repeated measures design that was implemented in 12 nursing homes randomized to either treatment (FBFC-CI) or educational control [Function and Behavior Focused Care Education (FBFC-ED)].Setting and ParticipantsTwelve nursing homes (6 treatment and 6 control) and 336 residents (173 treatment and 163 control) with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.MeasuresOutcomes included functional ability (Barthel Index), physical activity (actigraphy and survey), behavioral symptoms (Resistiveness to Care Scale, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia), and psychotropic medication use.ResultsThe participants were 82.6 (SD = 10.1) years of age, mostly female, and were moderate to severely cognitively impaired (Mini-Mental State Exam of 7.8, SD = 5.1). There was a significantly greater increase in time spent in total activity (P = .004), moderate activity (P = .012), light activity (P = .002), and a decrease in resistiveness to care (P = .004) in the treatment versus control group at 4 months. There was no change in mood, agitation, and the use of psychotropic medications. There was some evidence of adoption of the intervention at treatment sites.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study provides some support for the use of the FBFC-CI Intervention to increase time spent in physical activity and decrease resistive behaviors during care commonly noted among nursing home residents with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.     

Building Blocks for Healthy Children: Evaluation of a Child Care Center–Based Obesity Prevention Pilot Among Low-Income Children

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a multilevel nutrition intervention for low-income child care environments, staff, and center-enrolled children.DesignA cluster-randomized, controlled trial conducted among eligible centers. Staff and parent self-report surveys and objective field observations at baseline and follow-up were conducted.SettingA total of 22 low-income child care centers (enrolling ≥ 25 2- to 5-year-old children).ParticipantsChildren aged 18–71 months; 408 children and 97 staff were randomized into intervention (208 children and 50 staff) and waitlist-control groups (200 children and 45 staff). Retention rates were high (87% for children and 93% for staff).Intervention(s)A 6-session, 6-month director's child nutrition course with on-site technical support for center teachers.Main Outcome Measure(s)Center nutrition/physical activity environment; staff feeding styles, dietary patterns, and attitudes about food; child food preferences and dietary patterns.AnalysisCovariance regression analyses to assess the intervention effect, adjusting for clustering within centers.ResultsSignificant intervention effects were found for the center nutrition training/education environment (b = 3.01; P = .03), nutrition total scores (b = 1.29; P = .04), and staff-level prompting/encouraging feeding styles (b = 0.38; P = .04). No significant intervention effects were found for child-level measures.Conclusions and ImplicationsCurriculum-driven training and implementation support improved nutritional policies and practices and staff–child interactions during meals. Future research could extend the intervention to families and the evaluation to children's dietary behaviors and weight changes.     

Comparing 15D and SF-6D Performance in Fragility Wrist and Hip Fracture Patients in a Two-Year Follow-Up Case-Control Study

ObjectivesTo examine and compare the two utility and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) measures 15D and (SF-6D) in fragility wrist and hip fracture patients and controls, study the responsiveness of 15D and SF-6D, and examine the impact of these fractures on changes in 15D and SF-6D scores over 2 years.MethodsA total of 152 wrist fracture patients and 164 controls and 61 hip fracture patients and 61 controls with 15D and SF-6D scores were studied.ResultsThe mean 15D score decreased significantly in wrist fracture patients between baseline and 2-year follow-up (P=0.003). A wrist fracture was a significant predictor of a decrease in 15D scores 2 years after fracture (B=−0.016; P=0.049), along with low body mass index (B=−0.002; P=0.009). In hip fracture patients, both 15D and SF-6D scores decreased significantly (P<0.001). A hip fracture was a significant predictor of a decrease in 15D (B=−0.060; P=0.001) and SF-6D (B=−0.096; P=0.001) scores.ConclusionsOur data suggest that a fragility wrist fracture has a long-term negative effect on HRQOL, but not as strong as for fragility hip fractures. 15D seems to be more responsive than SF-6D when assessing HRQOL in patients with fragility fractures.     

A National Catalog of Mapped Short-Form Six-Dimension Utility Scores for Chronic Conditions in the United States From 2010 to 2015

ObjectivesThis study examined health preference utility weights and utility decrements associated with different types of chronic conditions in the United States.MethodsWe used the 2010-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data for persons aged ≥ 18 years with 12-Item Short-Form Survey Physical and Mental Component Summary scores. 12-Item Short-Form Survey scores were converted to Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D) preference scores to measure utilities of different chronic diseases. We used the Clinical Classification Code to identify 30 chronic diseases from 12 categories, such as cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, cancers, musculoskeletal diseases, endocrine or metabolic diseases, oral diseases, respiratory diseases, and mental disorders. A generalized linear model was used to quantify the utility decrements for 30 chronic diseases, controlling for demographic characteristics.ResultsWe identified 132 737 adults (mean age 47.2 years, 52.2% female, 80% white); 73% had at least one identified chronic disease, and the mean SF-6D was 0.786. Among 30 chronic diseases, the unadjusted mean SF-6D scores of patients with cognitive disorder (0.607) were the lowest, followed by congestive heart failure (0.629), rheumatoid arthritis (0.654), and lung cancer (0.662). After controlling for demographic variables (ie, age, sex) and comorbidities, cognitive disorders (?0.116), mood disorders (?0.099), rheumatoid arthritis (?0.090), liver cancer (?0.078), and stroke (?0.063) showed the highest decrements in the SF-6D scores (P < .05).ConclusionsThis study provides a nationally representative catalog of utility weights for major chronic diseases in the US general population. The utility decrements will enable researchers to calculate the health utilities of patients with multiple comorbid diseases.     

Effects of Caloric Restriction and Rope-Skipping Exercise on Cardiometabolic Health: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial in Young Adults

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of calorie restriction (CR), rope-skipping (RS) exercise, and their joint effects on cardiometabolic health in young adults. An 8-week randomized trial was conducted on 46 undergraduates aged 19–21 y from South China. The participants were randomized into the following three groups: Calorie restriction (CR) group (n = 14), Rope-skipping (RS) group (n = 14), and CR plus RS (CR–RS) group (n = 12). At both allocation and the end of the intervention, data on anthropometry, serum metabolic, and inflammatory markers were collected. A total of 40 participants completed the intervention and were included in the analysis. After the 8-week intervention, the participants from the CR group and the CR–RS group reduced in body weight (−1.1 ± 1.7 kg, −1.3 ± 2.0 kg), body mass index (−0.4 ± 0.6 kg/m², −0.5 ± 0.7 kg/m²), body fat percentage (−1.2 ± 1.6%, −1.7 ± 1.8%), and body fat mass (−1.1 kg (−2.2, −0.3), −1.1 kg (−2.5, −0.4)) compared to the baseline (p < 0.05 or p = 0.051). For metabolic and inflammatory factors, the participants in the CR–RS group showed significant decreases in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.40 mmol/L) and interleukin-8 (−0.73 mmol/L). While all the above markers showed no significant difference among the groups after intervention, in the subgroup of overweight/obese participants (n = 23), the CR–RS group had significantly lower blood pressure, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-8 levels than the CR or RS groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, both CR and CR–RS could reduce weight and improve body composition in young adults. More importantly, in those with overweight or obesity, CR–RS intervention might be superior to either CR or RS in improving cardiometabolic health.     

Sunbeam Program Reduces Rate of Falls in Long-Term Care Residents With Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment or Dementia: Subgroup Analysis of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThe Sunbeam trial significantly reduced falls in long-term aged care (LTC) residents. The current study's primary objective was to undertake subgroup analysis of the Sunbeam trial, to determine whether the intervention was effective for reducing falls in LTC residents with mild-moderate cognitive impairment/dementia. Secondary objectives were to determine intervention effects on cognitive and physical function.DesignSubgroup analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT).Setting and ParticipantsPermanent residents of LTC in Australia who participated in the Sunbeam trial with Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) scores <83 (Mini-Mental State Examination >14 = main trial inclusion criteria).MethodsOf 221 participants, 148 had an ACE-R <83 and were included in this study. Sixteen LTC residences (clusters) were randomized to receive either the Sunbeam program or usual care. The Sunbeam program involved two 1-hour sessions/week of tailored and progressive resistance and balance training for 25 weeks followed by a maintenance program (two 30-min sessions/week of nonprogressive exercise for 6 months). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Falls were recorded using routinely collected data from the LTC incident management systems.ResultsRate of falls (50%) and risk of falls (31%), multiple falls (40%), and injurious falls (44%) were reduced in the intervention group. The intervention group had significantly better balance (static and dynamic) and sit-to-stand ability when compared with the control group at 6 months and significantly better dynamic balance at 12 months. There were no serious adverse events.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe Sunbeam Program significantly reduced falls and improved physical performance in cognitively impaired LTC residents. This is a novel and important finding, as many previous studies have excluded people with cognitive impairment/dementia and inconsistent findings have been reported when this population has been studied. Our findings suggest that progressive resistance and balance exercise is a safe and effective fall prevention intervention in LTC residents with mild-moderate cognitive impairment/dementia.     

Evaluation of a community dental clinic providing care to people experiencing homelessness: A mixed methods approach

BackgroundPeople who experience homelessness have higher dental treatment needs compared to the general population. However, their utilization of dental services and levels of treatment completion are low. Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise, a not‐for‐profit organization in the United Kingdom, established a community dental clinic to improve access to dental care for this population.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact and acceptability of the community dental service for patients and examine the barriers and enablers to using and providing the service.MethodsThe evaluation included a retrospective assessment of anonymous patient data and thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews with patients, support staff and service providers. The interviews were thematically analysed. A cost analysis of the dental service was also conducted.ResultsBy 18 February 2020, 89 patients had attended the clinic. These included 62 males (70%) and 27 females (30%), aged 38.43 years on average (SD ± 11.07). Of these, 42 (47%) patients have completed their treatment, 23 (26%) are in active treatment and 24 (27%) left treatment. In total, 684 appointments (541.5 hours clinical time) were given. Of these, 82% (562) of appointments were attended (452.5 hours clinical time). The 22 interviews that were conducted identified flexibility, close collaboration with support services and health‐care team attitudes as key factors influencing service utilization and continuity of care.ConclusionsThis study provides details of a highly acceptable and accessible dental care model for people experiencing homelessness, with recommendations at research, practice and commissioning levels.     

Consumption of Dietary Guidelines for Americans Types and Amounts of Vegetables Increases Mean Subjective Happiness Scale Scores: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundThe health benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables (FV) are well established. Recent observational and intervention research suggests that FV consumption may also exert a positive effect on psychological well-being.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess changes in mean Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) scores in response to consuming 2010-2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommended types and amounts of vegetables. It was hypothesized that increased vegetable consumption would increase mean SHS scores.DesignThis study investigated a secondary outcome of a randomized, parallel, nonblinded controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio to a provided vegetable intervention or attention control group.Participants/settingMen and women (n = 75) aged 18 to 65 years, body mass index ≥ 25, with low habitual vegetable consumption were recruited from Grand Forks, North Dakota, December 2016 to January 2018, for this community-based study.InterventionThe vegetable intervention consisted of an 8-week feeding phase during which participants were provided with vegetables in DGA-recommended types and amounts. The attention control group was not provided vegetables but completed the same testing schedule as the vegetable intervention group.Main outcome measureMean SHS scores were assessed before and after the intervention.Statistical analysesMean SHS scores were analyzed using a 2-way factorial mixed linear model analysis of variance.ResultsA significant interaction between treatment and visit (P = .015) revealed greater mean SHS scores at week 8 than at baseline in the vegetable intervention group (+0.23 ± 0.11) (mean difference ± SE of the difference) but no change in the attention control group (?0.15 ± 0.11).ConclusionsGreater mean SHS scores were observed after increasing vegetable consumption to meet DGA recommendations, suggesting that adhering to DGA vegetable guidance may help promote psychological well-being.     

八段锦对社区老年人平衡功能影响效果的整群随机对照试验研究

目的 评价八段锦锻炼6个月对社区老年人平衡功能的影响。方法 使用两平行组整群随机对照试验的方法对我国5个省（市）40个社区的1 028名60~80岁社区居住老年人进行干预研究。干预组研究对象（20个社区、523名）进行每天1 h、每周5 d、持续6个月的八段锦锻炼和3次预防老年人跌倒健康教育；对照组研究对象（20个社区、505名）仅接受3次预防跌倒健康教育。研究主要指标为Berg平衡量表（BBS）得分，次要指标包括单脚站立时间、双脚前后站立时间、闭目原地踏步时间、计时起立行走时间。结果 1 028名研究对象进入分析，包括731名女性（71.11%）和297名男性（28.89%），年龄（69.87±5.67）岁。与基线调查相比，干预3个月后干预组BBS得分较对照组增加3.05（95%CI：2.23~3.88）分（P<0.001）；干预6个月后干预组BBS得分较对照组增加4.70（95%CI：4.03~5.37）分（P<0.001）。与对照组相比，干预6个月后干预组研究对象的各项次要指标均有改善（P<0.05）。结论 八段锦运动可以提高60~80岁社区老年人的平衡功能，运动时间越长，改善效果越好。     

心理护理对艾滋病患者生活质量影响的Meta分析

目的 评价心理护理干预对艾滋病患者生活质量的影响。方法 系统检索PubMed、Web of Science、Cochrane Library、中国生物医学文献数据库（CBM）、中国期刊全文数据库（CNKI）、万方数据库和维普中文科技期刊数据库（VIP）,纳入心理护理干预对艾滋病患者生活质量影响的实验性研究,采用Review Manager 5.3对SF-36量表8个维度得分进行合并,求其效应合并值的加权均数差（WMD）及其95%CI。结果 除生理功能维度外,SF-36量表其余7个维度得分的加权均数差均具有统计学意义,其中生理功能维度平均得分提高最少为6.48,情感职能维度平均得分提高最多为19.90,因此可认为除生理功能维度外,经心理护理干预后其余维度的得分均有所提高,敏感性分析结果显示,SF-36量表8个维度得分的加权均数差均具有统计学意义,即观察组的生活质量高于对照组。结论 心理护理干预可提高艾滋病患者的生活质量,可作为有效的辅助治疗手段在临床护理中进行推广应用。     

Análisis del efecto de un programa de estimulación cognitiva en personas con envejecimiento normal en Atención Primaria: ensayo clínico aleatorizado

ObjectiveTo provide evidence of the effectiveness of a community health intervention, that includes a cognitive stimulation program, to prevent the deterioration of cognitive abilities in our population of elderly people with normal cognition that are living in the community.DesignRandomized clinical trial (CONSORT group norms)LocationSan José Norte-Centro Health Center and La Caridad Foundation (Zaragoza, Spain).Participants201 people aged 65 or older, with a MEC score of at least 28 points, which were randomized between the Intervention group (101) and the Control group (100).InterventionThe intervention was applied in 10 sessions of 45 minutes, one per week. It used materials designed by one of the authors, which addressed the following areas: memory, orientation, language, praxis, gnosis, calculation, perception, logical reasoning, attention-concentration and programming.Main measurementsThe main outcome variables were MEC, Set-Test, Barthel and Lawton-Brody.ResultsIncreases of the main result variables over their baseline level were analized. For MEC variable, the Intervention group obtained, on average, 1.58 points more than the Control group in the evaluation performed immediately after the intervention. After 6 months, the improvement was 1.51 points and after a year, it was of 2.04 points. All these differences were statistically significant. For Set-Test, Barthel and Lawton-Brody variables, no statistically significant differences were observed between Intervention group and Control group.ConclusionsCognitive stimulation with our program is effective to maintain or improve cognitive performance, measured with the variable MEC, our population of elderly people with normal cognition that are living in the community. There is no evidence that this improvement is transferred to the activities of daily life measured with Barthel and Lawton-Brody variables.     

A 1-year randomized controlled trial comparing mind body exercise (Tai Chi) with stretching and toning exercise on cognitive function in older Chinese adults at risk of cognitive decline

ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness of Chinese-style mind-body exercise (24 forms simplified Tai Chi) versus stretching and toning exercise in the maintenance of cognitive abilities in Chinese elders at risk of cognitive decline.DesignA 1-year single-blind cluster randomized controlled trial.SettingsCommunity centers and residential homes for elders in Hong Kong.ParticipantsA total of 389 subjects at risk of cognitive decline (Clinical Dementia Rating, CDR 0.5 or amnestic-MCI) participated in an exercise intervention program.InterventionA total of 171 subjects were trained with Tai Chi (Intervention [I]) and 218 were trained with stretching and toning exercise (Control [C]).MethodsCognitive and functional performance were assessed at the baseline, and at 5, 9, and 12 months. Data were analyzed using multilevel mixed models. Primary outcomes included progression to clinical dementia as diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria, and change of cognitive and functional scores. Secondary outcomes included postural balance measured by the Berg Balance Scale neuropsychiatric and mood symptoms measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia.ResultsAt 1 year, 92 (54%) and 169 (78%) participants of the I and C groups completed the intervention. Multilevel logistic regression with completers-only analyses controlled for baseline differences in education revealed that the I group had a trend for lower risk of developing dementia at 1 year (odds ratio 0.21, 95% CI 0.05–0.92, P = .04). The I group had better preservation of CDR sum of boxes scores than the C group in both intention-to-treat (P = .04) and completers-only analyses (P = .004). In completers-only analyses, the I group had greater improvement in delay recall (P = .05) and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia scores (P = .02).ConclusionRegular exercise, especially mind-body exercise with integrated cognitive and motor coordination, may help with preservation of global ability in elders at risk of cognitive decline; however, logistics to promote long-term practice and optimize adherence needs to be revisited.