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models in order to organize a comprehensive geriatric assessment of
the patient. There are used several scales that assess the nutritional
status, screen for depression and evaluates mobility problems and
social problems, among others. We present the results of scales which,
in our view, identify key issues that might affect the functionality and
autonomy of the elderly, leading to the patient adjustment, guidance
and correction.
Methods:
The evaluation of the Geriatric Unit is repeated annually and
brings together the results of Katz scales, Mini Mental State Evaluation
and Geriatric Depression Scale as well as physical therapy assessment,
nutrition, psychological and finally the assessment of the Geriatric
doctor.
Results:
In the annual comparison of results obtained with the 100
patients followed it appears that, in the case of Katz scales and MMSE
(Mini Mental State Evaluation), 93% and 88% of the monitored cases
show positive development and stability compared to the previous
assessment. In the case of EDG (Geriatric Depression Scale) 70% of the
cases studied show an improvement/stability of their depressive state.
Conclusions:
These results demonstrate the importance of the multi-
disciplinary approach to patients. In this case, this consists in a team
of doctors, nurses, pharmaceutical, Gerontologist, psychologist, social
worker and physical therapists, all volunteers. The comprehensive
geriatric assessment serves to identify and address problems that may
be prohibitive of a life without limitations, more confident, independ-
ent, enabling the elderly patient to have a better quality of life for as
long as possible. These results show the importance of the persistence
of the team to implement the University Geriatric Unit and the
commitment to the continuity of its operations. In a country without
specific assistance to the elderly, this practice is a positive experience
and a gain of knowledge that is the basis for replication of other units
in Portugal.
P-424
A forgotten item for exercise prescription in elderly
A. Azhari, S.R. Mazloum, H. Kooshyar, Z. Najafi.
Mashhad University of
Medical Sciences
Introduction:
Exercise is believed to be one of the most effective of all
interventions proposed to improve functionality and quality of life in
elderly. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fun physical
activity on muscular performance of nursing home residents.
Methods:
63 home residents in Mashhad were randomly split into
intervention & control group who received fun physical activity &
routine physical activity respectively. Duration & Frequency of pro-
grams was 20 minutes, 3 times per week for 2 months. Balance &
muscle strength was assessed by Balance assessment score &
dynamometer in both groups.
Results:
Balance assessment score was significantly better in inter-
vention group (34/3 ± 8.1) comparing to control group (46/2 ± 15.6)
The average of grip strength was also better in intervention group
(17.9 ± 1.2) than controls (15.6 ± 1).
Conclusion:
Exhilarating physical activities are strongly related to
improved beneficial effects of exercises on muscular performance in
elderly.
P-425
General health status views of older adults: gender differences in
Turkish sample
N. Yagci, E. Baskan, U. Cavlak.
Pamukkale University School of Physical
Therapy and Rehabilitation
Introduction:
Preventive geriatric rehabilitation program helps
ageing population is to be healthy. Self-evaluations of general health
status can be used as a sensitive predictor in geriatric rehabilitation
program. It is a valid and reliable measure among older adults without
cognitive impairment. Health professionals need to know how older
adults think about their health status. This study was carried out to
determine the gender differences in terms of general health status
view and affecting illnesses among the elderly.
Methods:
A total of 278 older adults (Male: 158; Female: 120) aged
65
–
90 (mean = 71.7 ± 5.5 yrs.) without cognitive impairments accord-
ing to the Hodkinson Mental Scale Score included this study. The
participants were asked to rate their general health status on Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention-4 Questionnaire (CDC-4 first
question was used only). In addition to this all participants were
asked to define the most affecting health problems (max. 5 illnesses)
their general health and quality of life.
Results:
11.2% of Female participants defined their general health
status as
“
good
”
while 38% of males defined as
“
good
”
. No women
reported as
“
perfect
”
. 5.7% of males reported
“
perfect
”
. Hypertension
was reported as the most affecting illness by males (31%) and females
(34.2%) older adults. Spinal pain (8.9% by males) and pulmonary
diseases (10% by females) were rated as less percentage by the both
gender.
Key conclusions:
The results of this study showed that the male
participants reported as good-perfect compared to the females. Both
gender had chronic illnesses affecting their general health and quality
of life. That
’
s why preventive geriatric rehabilitation program is vital
for ageing older adults, especially women to improve their general
health and quality of life.
Keywords:
Health Status; Older adults; Gender; Quality of Life.
P-426
Every step you take: does a cut-off of 7500 steps per day
differentiate between older people with regards to health and
physical functioning?
B. Bogen, A.H. Ranhoff, M.K. Aaslund, R. Moe-Nilssen.
University of
Bergen
Background:
Public health recommendations include being moder-
ately to vigorously physically active for at least 30 per day for health
purposes. It has been suggested that walking
≥
7,500 steps per day
may be sufficient to meet this recommendation. For this cut-off to be
meaningful, it should differentiate between older people on well-
known parameters of health and physical functioning.
Methods:
Volunteers wore a step-counting sensor for three days.
Health and physical functioning was measured with preferred
walking speed over 6.5 meters (PWS) and the SF36 Physical Function
(PF) scale (0
–
100). The participants were split into less or more than
7,500 steps per day (inactive vs active). The groups were then
compared with regards to PWS and the SF36 PF scale. ROC-analysis
was performed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of the
7,500 cut-off.
Results:
46 persons were included (mean age 76, 61% women). On
average, the participants walked 7,368 steps per day (±2,389). The
inactive group had significantly lower PWS (p = .024) but not self-
reported physical functioning (p = .074). ROC-analysis showed an area
under the curve of less than .700 for both PWS and the SF36 PF scale.
Conclusion:
Although some support for a 7,500 steps cut-off was
found, ROC-analysis showed moderate sensitivity and specificity.
Alternative cut-offs should be investigated. Inferences about causality
may not be made with this cross-sectional design.
P-427
A feasibility study of a tailored physical and cognitive exercise
intervention to reduce falls in older adults with mild dementia
V. Booth, P. Logan, T. Masud, R. Harwood, V. Hood.
University of
Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
Background:
Older adults with mild dementia are at a high risk of
falls.
Methods:
A pre-post feasibility study tested the components and
acceptability of a combined 6 week physical (strength and balance)
and cognitive (dual-tasking) exercise-based fall prevention interven-
tion. Outcome measures collected pre and post the intervention
included: Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), Berg Balance Scale
(BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), spatial-temporal gait parameters in
Poster presentations / European Geriatric Medicine 7S1 (2016) S29
–
S259
S142