Digital Commons Network^™

Wellness Promotion Through Leisure Activity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Gabriela Morrell-Zucker

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project is to analyze the outcomes of an occupation-based wellness program which aims to address the problem of a lack of wellness promotion programs for community-dwelling older adults. Through structured programming older-adults demonstrated increased participation in leisure activities contributing to positive health and wellness. As the older adult population continues to grow, there is a need to engage community-dwelling older adult populations in wellness promotion through leisure activities. For this purpose, a quantitative approach examines the outcomes of program development from older adults' perspectives through a the CHAMPS Older Adult Physical Activity Questionnaire.

The Vespa Project: Virtual Reality Interventions For Neurocognitive And Developmental Disorders, Emanuele Maria Merlo, Liam Alexander Mackenzie Myles, Salvatore Marco Pappalardo

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

VESPA is a financed project supported by the Sicilian Regional Research and Development funds, and it is structured by the development, research and validation of Virtual Reality (VR) based application for the diagnosis and treatment of neurocognitive conditions. In particular, this article presents its characteristics, referred to as the first (2013-2015) and second (2021-ongoing) generations of VESPA, with particular reference to literature regarding the VR technology application and development, the VR treatment of neurocognitive conditions and prior versions of this intervention. Through a comprehensive review of the research conducted over the last 5 years, evidence has emerged supporting VESPA’s aim …

Regulatory Aspects Of Mild Cognitive Impairment: Toward A Harmonized Perspective, Peter J. Whitehouse

Faculty Scholarship

The development of the concept of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its practical application have been intimately tied to attempts to produce therapeutic agents. Understanding the regulatory environment and determining the way in which it can be influenced are critical to the development of drugs and their eventual approval. In this article, we review some of the current challenges surrounding the concept of MCI relevant to drug development, summarize activities in various regions of the world, and conclude with some suggested next steps and an alternative framing for approving drugs for MCI and related conditions.

The Role Of Palmitoleic Acid In Regulating Hepatic Gluconeogenesis Through Sirt3 In Obese Mice, Xin Guo, Xiaofan Jiang, Keyun Chen, Qijian Liang, Shixiu Zhang, Juan Zheng, Xiaomin Ma, Hongmei Jiang, Hao Wu, Qiang Tong

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Hepatic gluconeogenesis is a crucial process to maintain glucose level during starvation. However, unabated glucose production in diabetic patients is a major contributor to hyperglycemia. Palmitoleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid (16:1n7) that is available from dietary sources. Palmitoleic acid exhibits health beneficial effects on diabetes, insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. However, the mechanism by which palmitoleate reduces blood glucose is still unclear. SIRT3 is a key metabolism-regulating NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase. It is known that fasting elevates the expression of SIRT3 in the liver and it regulates many aspects of liver’s response to nutrient deprivation, such as fatty …

Prediction Model Of 30-Days Postoperative Pneumonia In Elderly Patient Undergoing Abdominal Surgery, Noto Dwimartutie, Harini Oktadiana, Gurmeet Singh, Wifanto Saditya Jeo, Kuntjoro Harimurti

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Physiologic changes in respiratory tract in elderly increase incidence of post-operative pneumonia. Post-operative pneumonia in non-thoracic surgery was found higher in abdominal surgery. This study aimed to develop a prediction model of 30-day post-operative pneumonia in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using elderly patient’s medical records who underwent abdominal surgery in Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to determine Odds Ratio (OR). Model’s calibration performance was determined by Hosmer-Lameshow test and its discrimination performance was determined by calculating area under the curve (AUC).

Results. Of …

Changes In The Body Posture Of Elder Women Under The Influence Of Various Nordic Walking Training Programs, Monika Wiech, Krzysztof Prusik, Zbigniew Ossowski, Jakub Kortas

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background:‪One of the effects of involution is the change in the body posture. Muscles lose their flexibility and strength, causing the typical changes in body posture of the elderly. Hyperkyphosis is a typical feature of the posture, which leads to serious health problems. The aim of the study was to analyse changes in the body posture of elderly women who took part in diversified Nordic walking training.Material and methods:‪The study group comprised 90 elderly women divided into two experimental groups and control. The main method was an experiment. The tested women took part in a 6-month Nordic walking training cycle. …

Alzheimer's And Patient Caregiver Burnout: A Review Of The Literature, Madeline Hekeler

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

The term “silent epidemic” is fitting for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as its negative impact is widely felt but rarely discussed. Burnout among AD caregivers has become an epidemic of its own as caregivers experience an increase in health risks, stress, and financial burden. This literature review focuses on caregiver burnout and how imperative it is that caregivers are better supported in their role. Researchers have developed instruments to assess and intervene in caregiver burnout that have shown effectiveness among caregivers and their families.Nevertheless, further longitudinal research is warranted regarding more effective interventions, including stress management and social support mechanisms.

Perceptive Ability Of Female Students Of The University Of The Third Age And Its Links With Physical Fitness And Mood, Joanna Piotrowska, Monika Guszkowska, Ewa Kozdron, Ewa Niedzielska, Anna Les, Bartlomiej Krynicki

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the speed and failures of perception and attention among female students of the University of the Third Age (U3A) and their links with physical fitness and mood. Material/Methods: The study involved 114 women aged between 50 and 88 years old (M = 68.17) participating in U3A lectures at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Perception ability was investigated using Ciechanowicz and Stańczak’s Attention and Perception Test. Physical fitness was assessed with the Fullerton Fitness Test and the Romberg manoeuvre to evaluate the ability to maintain balance. The participants were also …

The Role Of Physical Activity In Supporting Treatment Of Coxarthrosis Symptoms In Elderly Patients, Malgorzata Kawa, Malgorzata Kowza-Dzwonkowska, Agnieszka Schenk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Next to degenerative changes of the spine, osteoarthritis of the hip is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system in people after the age of 65. The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate the analgesic effectiveness treatments with exercises on a bicycle ergometer in osteoarthritis of the hip in patients. Material/Methods: The study involved 30 persons with degenerative disease of the hip referred to 10-day rehabilitation with a weekend break. In Group A 14 patients were subjected to treatments with local cryotherapy and laser therapy; in Group B 16 this treatment together exercises …

The Quality Of Life Profile Among Students Of The University Of The Third Age, Ewa Kupcewicz, Malgorzata Kusmierczyk, Barbara Wilk, Agnieszka Zajaczkowska, Aleksandra Zakrzewska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The quality of life is determined by numerous factors, among others, social, biological and psychological ones, whereas satisfaction with life and good self-esteem related to health are one of its main measures. The purpose of the paper was to determine the quality of life of the Third Age University students. Material/Methods: The study group involved 130 students of the University of the Third Age in Kętrzyn and Szczytno. The vast majority were women (90.00%; n = 117), and their mean age was 65.4 ±5.9 years. The study used the author's questionnaire containing questions about socio-demographic data and the WHOQoL-BREF …

Physical Activity As A Pro-Health Behaviour In The Opinion Of Adult Women, Maria Lipko, Anna Darmas

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aims at determining opinion of participants of strengthening and relaxation classes on health determinants and their influence on adoption of particular forms of physical activity. Material/Methods: Participants of the study were 113 women aged 40 to 55, among whom 70 participated in such strengthening and relaxation courses as yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi and 43 women were inactive (control group). A survey prepared by the authors of this paper was used. Results: According to the participants, the most crucial factors influencing health are proper nutrition, adoption of physical activity and keeping proper body weight. Active women are …

Influence Of Nordic Walking Training On Static And Dynamic Body Balance Among The Elderly, Zbigniew Ossowski, Marek Wawryniuk, Vida Janina Česnaitienė

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Regression of body balance function is one of the main risk factors in falls among the elderly. The aim of this article was to evaluate changes in static and dynamic body balance levels among people over 65 years under the influence of Nordic Walking training. Material/Methods: The research was conducted with participation of 21 people over 65 years old. The training lasted throughout a period of 6 months. Frequency of exercises was twice a week. Evaluation was conducted using 8-Foot Up-and-Go from the Senior Fitness Test and a single leg balance test from the EUROFIT test for adults. Results: …

Evaluation Of Analgesic Effectiveness Of Infrared Radiation And Interference Currents In Degenerative Diseases, Malgorzata Kawa, Ewa Muszynska, Malgorzata Kowza-Dzwonkowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

No abstract provided.

Motivations And Effects Of Practicing Nordic Walking By Elderly People, Andrzej Knapik, Edward Saulicz, Andrzej Mysliwiec, Mariola Saulicz, Aneta Warmuz-Wancisiewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: As a result of numerous advantages of Nordic Walking such as the movement simplicity, its affordability and availability for people of various ages and with different levels of fitness, this relatively young physical activity has been developing remarkably for several years. It has the potential of increasing physical activity among elderly people. Defining to what extent practicing Nordic Walking (NW) influences the general level of physical activity and the quality of life of elderly people. Material/Methods: 161 people were examined (93 women and 68 men) at the age of 60 or above. In this group 48 practised NW: 33 …

Influence Of Strength, Endurance And Concurrent Training On The Lipid Profile And Blood Testosterone And Cortisol Response In Young Male Wrestlers, Seyed Javad Mirghani, Hamid Agha Alinejad, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani, Ahmad Mazidi, Seyed Ali Mirghani

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: There is little information regarding the effects of concurrent training (endurance and resistance training) on the fat profile, blood testosterone and cortisol response. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of concurrent training on the fat profile, blood testosterone and cortisol response in young male wrestlers. Material/Methods: Twenty-four young male wrestlers voluntarily participated and were randomly assigned to three groups, namely: endurance training (ET, N=8), strength training (ST, N=8) and concurrent training (CT, N=8). The groups did their training programs three sessions per week. Results: The findings of this study showed that high-density …

Body Build Of 14-16-Year-Old Boys Practising Football And Basketball As Compared With Non-Training Peers, Monika Opanowska, Elzbieta Pretkiewicz-Abacjew, Paweł Skonieczny

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The purpose of the study was to compare the somatic build of football and basketball players aged 14, 15 and 16 years with non-training boys of the same age. The study involved 301 boys, who were divided into three study groups: football players, basketball players and non-training boys. The level of the boys’ somatic development was established on the basis of body weight and height measurements, which were the basis for determining the BMI and Rohrer’s index. In addition, the functional lengths of the right and the left lower extremity were studied. The majority of training and non-training boys were …

Preventing Osteoporosis Among Underweight And Obese Sedentary Young Women, Nasim Habibzadeh

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of a walking program on bone mass density (BMD) among healthy obese and thin young girls. Material/Methods: Twenty untrained obese (n=10) and thin (n=10) girls, 20-25 years, volunteered to participate in this study. Before and after the training program both groups had an anthropometric measurement, a blood analysis and a BMD evaluation. Each walking session consisted of 30 minutes walking between 50-75% of maximal heart rate, 3 days per week for 2 months. Results: After the exercise program, BMD in both regions (hip (1.1%) and spine (L2- L4) …

Association Between Gait Speed And Muscle Mass And Strength In Postmenopausal Women, Zbigniew M. Ossowski, Monika Wiech, Miroslaw Ellwart

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: ‪Gait speed (GS) is the most popular tool used in clinical practice to diagnose functional performance. In order to maintain the independence of the elderly, it is useful to determine the association between gait speed and skeletal muscle mass, as well as the strength of the lower and upper extremities, which was the aim of this study. Material and methods: ‪The study involved 95 women in the postmenopausal period. The skeletal muscle mass (SM) was determined using a bioelectric impedance method using an octapolar bioimpedance InBody 720 analyzer. Upper limb strength was measured using the handgrip strength (HS) and …

Athlete Self-Efficacy Scale: Development And Psychometric Properties, Çalık Veli Koçak

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: It is important that psychological structures have an impact on athlete performance, such as self-efficacy can be measured consistently. The aim of this study is to develop a measurement tool with psychometric properties that can measure the self-efficacy beliefs of athletes. Material and methods: The participants of the study consisted of 325 athletes (age 21.6 ± 4.2) who actively pursue sports in various sports branches in Turkey. In the validity and reliability analysis of the scale, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes were used. Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient value of the total scale is .88. Results: The validity and reliability …

Avoiding Isolation: Physical Activity For Persons With Disabilities And Covid-19, Pelin Aksen-Cengizhan, Ali Ahmet Doğan, Özkan Işık

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

It was aimed in this article to draw attention to the following issues: the importance of issuing guidelines on what countries can or should do in order for individuals with disabilities to maintain their daily exercises or physical activity routines, and informing the public about it; the importance of considering the needs of a person with disabilities in emergency preparedness and response plans of the countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic; the importance of the dissemination of public health messages in plain language and accessible formats through all mass media channels; the importance of providing psychosocial support to persons with …

Type 2 Diabetes Partitioned Polygenic Scores Associate With Disease Outcomes In 454,193 Individuals Across 13 Cohorts, Daniel Dicorpo, Jessica Leclair, Joanne B Cole, Chloé Sarnowski, Fariba Ahmadizar, Lawrence F Bielak, Anneke Blokstra, Erwin P Bottinger, Layal Chaker, Yii-Der I Chen, Ye Chen, Paul S De Vries, Tariq Faquih, Mohsen Ghanbari, Valborg Gudmundsdottir, Xiuqing Guo, Natalie R Hasbani, Dorina Ibi, M Arfan Ikram, Maryam Kavousi, Hampton L Leonard, Aaron Leong, Josep M Mercader, Alanna C Morrison, Girish N Nadkarni, Mike A Nalls, Raymond Noordam, Michael Preuss, Jennifer A Smith, Stella Trompet, Petra Vissink, Jie Yao, Wei Zhao, Eric Boerwinkle, Mark O Goodarzi, Vilmundur Gudnason, J Wouter Jukema, Sharon L R Kardia, Ruth J F Loos, Ching-Ti Liu, Alisa K Manning, Dennis Mook-Kanamori, James S Pankow, H Susan J Picavet, Naveed Sattar, Eleanor M Simonsick, W M Monique Verschuren, Ko Willems Van Dijk, Jose C Florez, Jerome I Rotter, James B Meigs, Josée Dupuis, Miriam S Udler

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has heterogeneous patient clinical characteristics and outcomes. In previous work, we investigated the genetic basis of this heterogeneity by clustering 94 T2D genetic loci using their associations with 47 diabetes-related traits and identified five clusters, termed β-cell, proinsulin, obesity, lipodystrophy, and liver/lipid. The relationship between these clusters and individual-level metabolic disease outcomes has not been assessed.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Here we constructed individual-level partitioned polygenic scores (pPS) for these five clusters in 12 studies from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) consortium and the UK Biobank (n = 454,193) …

Catastrophic Perforation In Streptococcus Pneumoniae Aortitis: Complications Of Infective Endocarditis In The Current Antimicrobial Era, Sana Shaikh, Jorge Isaac Peña Garcia, Michelle Shieh, Alexandre Lacasse

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Infectious aortitis is an uncommon but life-threatening cause of aortitis. Given the lack of specific symptoms, establishing the diagnosis is often a challenge. When it is associated with an endovascular infection, such as infective endocarditis, blood cultures may be diagnostic although often limited by low positive predictive value. Imaging studies may reveal characteristic findings, with computerized tomography angiography being the most sensitive. Management includes prompt initiation of antimicrobial therapy followed by surgical intervention, keeping in mind that operative mortality is high due to weakened arterial wall integrity. Here we describe a 25-year-old woman without relevant medical history, who presented to …

The Remote Assessment And Dynamic Response Program: Development Of An In-Home Dementia-Related Care Needs Assessment To Improve Well-Being, Lindsey M. Miller, Diane N. Solomon, Carol J. Whitlatch, Shirin O, Hiatt, Chao-Yi Wu, Christina Reynolds, Wan-Tai Michael Au-Yueng, Jeffrey Kaye, Joel Steele

Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background and Objectives

The Remote Assessment and Dynamic Response (READyR) Program was developed in order to address the current lack of early-stage dementia care planning programs that assess the care needs of persons with dementia. The goal was to create a program informed by care values and ongoing ecologically valid data. The objectives of this study are to describe the development and design process of the READyR Program, and to evaluate the utility of the READyR Program for identifying dementia-related care needs.

Research Design and Methods

A prototype of the web-based READyR Program tool was first created using digital activity …

African-American Lay Pastoral Care Facilitators’ Perspectives On Dementia Caregiver Education And Training, Nik M. Lampe, Nidhi Desai, Tomeka Norton-Brown, Alexandra C. H. Nowakowski, Robert L. Glueckauf

The Qualitative Report

The African-American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support Project 2 (ACTS 2) is a faith-integrated, skills-training and support program for distressed African American family caregivers of persons living with dementia across Florida. Caregivers participate in a 12-week, telephone-based, skills-building and support program led by faith community workers (i.e., lay pastoral care facilitators) who provide volunteer services to their denominations. In this case study, we examined facilitators’ perspectives and recommendations for supplementary audiovisual and written training materials to optimize group process and goal-setting skills. Utilizing a qualitative approach, we explored facilitators’ needs, experiences in using current training materials, and recommendations for supplementary …

Cognitive Reserve And Mild Cognitive Impairment, Maryam Iraniparast, Yidan Shi, Ying Wu, Leilei Zeng, Colleen J. Maxwell, Richard J. Kryscio, Philip D. St. John, Karen S. Santacruz, Suzanne L. Tyas

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Background and Objectives Little is known about the effect of education or other indicators of cognitive reserve on the rate of reversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to normal cognition (NC) or the relative rate (RR) of reversion from MCI to NC vs progression from MCI to dementia. Our objectives were to (1) estimate transition rates from MCI to NC and dementia and (2) determine the effect of age, APOE, and indicators of cognitive reserve on the RR of reversion vs progression using multistate Markov modeling.

Methods We estimated instantaneous transition rates between NC, MCI, and dementia after accounting …

A Physical Therapy Mobility Checkup For Older Adults: Feasibility And Participant Preferences From A Discrete Choice Experiment, Dalerie Lieberz, Hannah Borgeson, Steven Dobson, Lindsey Ewings, Karen Johnson, Kori Klaysmat, Abby Schultz, Rachel Tasson, Alexandra L. Borstad

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Physical performance measures, like walking speed, identify and predict preclinical mobility disability but are rarely used in routine medical care. A preventive model of care called Mobility Checkup is being designed to reduce mobility disability in older adults. This study had two purposes: 1) determine feasibility and outcomes of the Mobility Checkup, and 2) identify preferences of older adults regarding this model of care using a discrete choice experiment.

Methods: Adults over 55 years of age were recruited from the community. In the study’s first phase, participants completed a Mobility Checkup, with feasibility evaluated using 6 criteria. In the …

Sensory Processing Abnormalities In Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Mixed Methods Study, Elizabeth K. Rhodus, Elizabeth G. Hunter, Graham D. Rowles, Shoshana H. Bardach, Kelly Parsons, Justin M. Barber, Maryellen Thompson, Gregory A. Jicha

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia often leads to behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Sensory processing abnormalities may be associated with BPSD. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships among sensory processing, behavior, and environmental features within the homes of people with MCI or dementia. This project used mixed methods to assess participants’ sensory processing, care partner perspectives on behaviors, and in situ observations of the home environment. Nine participants with cognitive impairment (MCI n = 8, early dementia = 1) and their care partners were included. Seven participants with cognitive impairment were reported to have …

Nonpharmacological Practices For Reducing Agitation In Persons With Dementia, Meghan L. Farkas

Commonwealth Scholars Program

1 in 11 people aged 45 years and older experience subjective cognitive decline, with nearly a third identifying a decline in the ability to participate in social activities, work, or volunteering. There are twelve modifiable risk factors that can either increase or decrease an individual's possibility of developing Dementia. This can include excessive alcohol consumption, head injury, air pollution, lower education level, hypertension, hearing impairment, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, and infrequent social contact. These modifiable risk factors may prevent or delay up to 40% of dementias. Furthermore, many risk factors cluster around inequalities, which occur particularly in Black, …

What Matters Most: Cna Perspectives On Workforce Education, Professional Identity And Age-Friendly Care, Shannon Arnette, Annie Rhodes, Kimberly Ivey, Christian Bergman, Leland "Bert" Waters

Case Studies from Age in Action

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the gaps in current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training in relation to Delirium, Dementia(s), and Depression (3D’s).

2. Identify CNA learning preferences.

3. Review the constructed tele-education training sessions that incorporate age-friendly care and What Matters Most (WMM) to participants in regards to the 3D’s.

4. Increase the CNAs’ competency and level of comfort working with individuals living with the 3D’s.

Recognizing And Responding To Abuse In Later Life: Feedback From Virginia’S Frontline, Sarah A. Marrs, Courtney O'Hara

Case Studies from Age in Action

Learning Objectives

1. To describe a research project aimed at understanding the recognition of and response to abuse in later life in the greater Richmond area

2. To discuss the structural factors that contribute to underidentification and under-resourcing of services that address abuse in later life

3. To discuss the relationship between ageism and abuse in later life