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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Aging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 9466

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Dr. Rocío Llamas-Ramos

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Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
Interests: physical therapy; rehabilitation; lifestyle and public health; healthy aging; falls prevention
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Life expectancy is increasing, and therefore we need to take care of ourselves in order to ensure a continued quality of life. Aging leads to physiological and functional changes that can detract from the quality of life over the years; sedentary lifestyles and the lack of work activity due to retirement lead to muscle atrophy and the loss of faculties such as coordination and reflexes, which can be associated with an increased risk of falls. Therefore, strategies aimed at the prevention and treatment of these changes are necessary to promote healthy aging. Physiotherapy is one of the disciplines for which the aim is to improve and maintain the physical capacities (strength, endurance, and flexibility) of patients in order to achieve an optimal level of health, and the recommendation of physical therapy and therapeutic physical exercise (either individually or in groups) is one of the most common prescriptions in this type of population. Active aging and a healthy lifestyle are the main tools to improve functionality and independence. In this Special Issue, all studies aimed at approaches to achieve healthy aging are welcome.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Healthcare.

Dr. Rocío Llamas-Ramos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

physical therapy
exercise
lifestyle
fall prevention
healthy aging
health promotion
patient safety

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Therapy Programs in Older Adults with Coronary Artery Disease: Preferences to Technology-Based Cardiac Physical Therapy Programs

by Elena Marques-Sule, Nuria Sempere-Rubio, Sergio Esparcia-Sánchez, Pallav Deka, Trinidad Sentandreu-Mañó, Juan Luis Sánchez-González, Leonie Klompstra and Noemí Moreno-Segura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013130 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2141

Abstract

(1) Background: Assessing preferences in technology-based cardiac physical therapy programs in older adults with coronary artery disease (CAD) is fundamental to promoting adherence to healthy lifestyles and healthy aging. This study aimed at analyzing preferences in technology-based cardiac physical therapy programs in older adults with CAD. Additionally, a comparison by sex was performed. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study. 70 older adults with CAD (mean age 66.73 ± 0.77, 80% men) were evaluated. Technology use and preferences in technology-based cardiac physical therapy programs (Technology Usage Questionnaire) were assessed. (3) Results: 97.1% of the sample had Smartphones and 81.4% accessed the Internet every day, mostly with their Smartphones (75.5%). A total of 54.3% were interested in receiving rehabilitation via their Smartphone, and most of the sample considered ideas to manage stress (92.9%), healthy meal ideas and recipes (85.7%), exercise ideas (84.3%), exercise prompts (72.9%), setting goals (67.1%), exercise taught by a virtual therapist (65.7%), ideas to overcome cigarette cravings (62.9%), information on local exercise opportunities (60%), ideas to remember to take medications (57.1%), steps to achieve goals (54.3%) and eating tips for takeaways (51.7%) very useful. Additionally, men considered the technology-based advice about exercise prompts, healthy meal ideas and recipes, and ideas to manage stress more useful than women, and had more frequently a Smartphone, less frequently made phone calls, had more regular access to the Internet, and used the Internet more often. (4) Conclusions: Clinicians should encourage older adults to engage in cardiac technology-based physical therapy programs to provide meaningful exercise counselling, promote healthy lifestyle and healthy aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy for Healthy Aging)

12 pages, 826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Combining Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment and an Exercise Program on Fragility in a Population with Multiple Sclerosis: Cross-Over Design Trial

by Inés Muñoz-Paredes, Azael J. Herrero, Rocío Llamas-Ramos, Vicente Rodríguez-Pérez and Jesús Seco-Calvo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12747; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912747 - 5 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1741

Abstract

Background: The relationship between fragility and neurological diseases is extensive and affects many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), whose risk factors are related to fragility. Objective: To study the effects of exercise and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in MS patients with fatigue from four dimensions: functional mobility, balance, fatigue, and depression. Methods: A total of 12 patients who belonged to two associations of people with physical disabilities participated. Functional mobility, depression, balance, and fatigue were assessed before and after the intervention. Transcranial direct current stimulation and the exercise program were carried out over a 4-week period with a wash-out period of 5 months. Results: After the application of tDCS, we found significant improvements in balance (p < 0.05, g = 0.632), depression (p < 0.05, g = 0.402), functional mobility (p < 0.05, g = 0.297), and fatigue (p < 0.05, g = 0.526). After the exercise program, significant improvements were shown in balance (p < 0.01, g = 0.418), depression (p < 0.001, g = 0.540), functional mobility (p < 0.01, g = 0.262), and fatigue (p < 0.01, g = 0.742). Two-way mixed-measures ANOVA showed that all variables improved in both groups, with significant differences over time but not between groups. Secondary analysis showed significant correlations between balance and functional mobility (r = 0.671, p = 0.017), depression and fatigue (r = 0.586, p = 0.044) and between intensity of rehabilitation and balance (r = 0.622, p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Participating in an exercise program and receiving tDCS separately improved the variables of depression, balance, mobility, and fatigue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy for Healthy Aging)

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11 pages, 1189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diacutaneous Fibrolysis Intervention in Patients with Mild to Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome May Avoid Severe Cases in Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Sandra Jiménez-del-Barrio, Luis Ceballos-Laita, Elena Bueno-Gracia, Sonia Rodríguez-Marco, Santos Caudevilla-Polo and Elena Estébanez-de-Miguel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710983 - 2 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) mainly affects adults of working age. The prevalence of severe cases is higher in elderly patients (>65 years old). Clinical guidelines recommend conservative treatment as the best option in the initial stages of CTS to avoid severe cases. Diacutaneous Fibrolysis (DF) has demonstrated to improve nerve conduction studies and mechanosensitivity. The main purpose was to quantify changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve, transversal carpal ligament (TCL) thickness, numbness intensity, and the subjective assessment of clinical change after DF treatment in patients with CTS. Methods: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was designed. A number of 44 patients (60 wrists) with CTS were randomized to the DF group or the sham group. CSA and TCL thickness variables were registered by ultrasound. Clinical variables were assessed by the visual analogue scale and GROC scale. SPSS version 24.0 for MAC was used for statistical analysis. The group by time interaction between groups was analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The DF group reduced CSA with a mean of 0.45 mm² (IC 95% 0.05 to 0.86) and TCL thickness with a mean reduction of 0.4 mm (IC 95% 0.6 to 2.1) compared to the sham group (p < 0.01, p < 0,03, respectively). Additionally, the DF group decreased the numbness intensity with a mean reduction of 3.47 (IC 95% 2.50 to 4.44, p < 0.01) and showed a statistically significant improvement on the GROC scale (p < 0.01). Conclusions: DF treatment may significantly reduce CSA and TCL thickness, numbness intensity, and improved clinical perspective. DF applied in patients with mild to moderate CTS may prevent the progression of the disease as they age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy for Healthy Aging)

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15 pages, 2130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Home-Based Nine-Square Step Exercises for Fall Prevention in Thai Community-Dwelling Older Adults during a COVID-19 Lockdown: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

by Disatorn Dejvajara, Ranlaphat Aungkasuraphan, Piyathida Palee, Chanodom Piankusol, Wachiranun Sirikul and Penprapa Siviroj

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10514; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710514 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2699

Abstract

The deterioration of muscle strength in aging has been associated with fall risks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults were restricted from doing outdoor activities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Nine-Square Step Exercises (NSSE) on improving physical performance and balance in older adults at risk of falling. We conducted an open-labelled, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial in 46 (aged 65–84 years) community-dwelling older adults. They were randomly assigned to an NSSE group (n = 24) instructed to perform the program for at least 45 days over 8 weeks or a control group (n = 22). The outcomes were measured by the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand test (FTSS), and hand grip strength during the baseline, 4th and 8th weeks in both groups. A mixed-effect linear regression model analysis was performed to estimate the independent effect of NSSE by the intention-to-treat over the 8-week period. The NSSE group showed significant weekly changes in BBS (β 0.57, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.84), TUG (β −0.44, 95% CI: −0.74, −0.14), and FTSS (β −0.52, 95% CI: −0.78, −0.25), demonstrating beneficial improvements in lower extremity and balance, whereas the control group did not demonstrate significant changes over time in any parameter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Therapy for Healthy Aging)

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