(1) Background: Falls are a significant health problem among older adults, and can result in severe injuries, disability, and even death. In Spain, the prevalence of falls is lower if the person lives in the community than if they are institutionalized. Research has shown that exercise is an effective strategy for reducing the risk of falls among older adults. The objective of this study was to study the influence of a multicomponent exercise intervention on falls in people between 65 and 80 years of age despite the presence of diseases and drug use that are risk factors for falls; (2) Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study that focuses on people aged 65-80 who attended 21 primary healthcare centres. Target: Inclusion criteria were people between 65 and 80 years of age, living in the community with independent ambulation, and who were served by the healthcare centre of their region. Variables analysed: The number and characteristics of falls, sociodemographic, drug use, and previous diseases; (3) Results: The drugs associated with falls are benzodiazepines (OR 2.58), vasodilators (OR = 2.51), and psychotropics (OR = 1.61). For one of the years, a relationship was found between the consumption of antidepressants and falls (OR = 1.83). The associated diseases were mental and behavioural (OR = 2.53); (4) Discussion: The intervention has been related to the reduction in falls in people who consumed benzodiazepines, vasodilators, and psychotropics and in people with mental disorders; (5) Conclusion: This research concludes the importance of the implementation of the Otago Exercise Programme in the prevention of falls in the elderly.
AIM: To evaluate the effect of the Otago Exercise Programme on the frailty of non-institutionalized people between 65 and 80 years of age and study factors associated with frailty. METHOD: Pre-post test study (baseline and after 12 months) without control group in people aged 65-80 years (living in the community and with independent ambulation) after being trained in the Otago Exercise Programme in 5 sessions: weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8, and a reinforcement session at 6 months. Patients were recruited from 3 health areas (n = 200). Frailty was assessed with the FRAIL scale. RESULTS: There were 198 people who started the study and 161 completed the 12-month follow-up. The average age of the sample was 72.28 years; predominance of female sex 64.65%; low educational level 76.50%; people living alone 24.50%; overweight in 42%, and grade I obesity in 32.32%. Significant differences were observed with a P = .023 in the level of frailty between baseline and 12 months. The exploratory analysis identified significant differences before and after the intervention by sex (being a woman) (P = .018) and condition of living alone (P = .0468). CONCLUSIONS: The Otago Exercise Programme prevents positive results in frailty in people 65 to 80 years of age and can help maintain function and prevent deterioration.
Frailty , Activities of Daily Living , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Exercise , Exercise Therapy/methods , Female , Frailty/prevention & control , Humans , Male
OBJECTIVES: To study the quality of life related to health and the relationship with the social support, family function and the level of overload for carers of people with a medium/high level of dependence have. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of people in Villablino Palacios del Sil making a Dependence Application in 2007. A questionnaire was administered to explore the socioeconomic characteristics, family function (Apgar Family), social support (Duke-UNC), quality of life related to health (Coop-wonca sheeting) and burden level (Zarit) of caregivers. A descriptive analysis was carried out for each one of the variables, and for the bivariate analysis the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for the continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 79.31% of the target population (58 people) answered the questionnaire, with an average age of 55.74 years (standard deviation=11.6), 82.6% (38) women, and 45.7% (21) have a low social support and 76.1% (35) are normal functioning families. A total of 67.4% (31) had an intense burden. There was a statistically positive significant relationship (P<0.05) between the quality of life associated with health and family function and perceived social support, and a negative significant relationship with the burden of the caregiver. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life related to health in caregivers is better in those with a good social and family support, a good state of health, and they maintained their level of physical activity and positive feelings, but it got worse when the social support decreased and the level of overload increased.
Caregivers , Health Status , Quality of Life , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Rural Population , Spain
