Saskatoon in motion: class- versus home-based exercise intervention for older adults with chronic health conditions.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a class-based (CB) and home-based (HB) exercise program for older adults with chronic health conditions. METHODS: 172 sedentary older adults with overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or osteoarthritis were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: A significant increase was seen in the CB group in the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) scores and SF-12 Physical and Mental Health scores. In both groups, significant increases were seen in 6-minute walk distance, Physical Performance Test (PPT), and Functional Fitness Test (FFT), and significant reductions were seen in systolic and diastolic blood pressure but not body mass index or waist circumference. Except for a greater increment in the FFT in the CB group, the degree of improvement was not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: After a 3-month intervention, both the CB and HB program produced comparable significant improvements in outcome measures.

Predictors of return to work following traumatic work-related lower extremity amputation.

PURPOSE: To determine factors predictive of return to work (RTW) and days of total disability (TD) in a population of persons working at the time of lower extremity amputation. METHOD: Retrospective chart and database review. RESULTS: Of 88 valid cases, 48% involved toe amputation, 23% transtibial, 14% partial foot, 14% transfemoral, and 2% high level. Fifty-eight percent of all subjects RTW, 19% were deemed 'fit for work', and 23% did not RTW. Days TD ranged from 0 to 1664, with a mean of 366 days. Toe amputation level showed a mean of 127 days of TD. Bivariate analysis showed amputation level, total costs to Workers Compensation Board (WCB), and days TD significantly related to RTW, and rehabilitation costs, vocational rehabilitation, work assessment, age, number of surgical procedures, number of days in acute care, and amputation level significantly related to days TD. In the multivariate model, only amputation level and higher gross annual income showed predictive value for RTW. However older age, more surgical procedures, less days in hospital, and higher amputation levels were all predictive of increased days TD. CONCLUSION: Toe amputation level had a surprisingly high number of days TD, which may have significant potential economic and disability impact on the workplace. Other factors beyond simply amputation level (such as previous income level) are important considerations for RTW.