Effectiveness of Multimodal Training Compared to a Uni-Modal Walking Intervention on Postural Control, Strength, Gait Speed and Flexibility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Background: Multimodal training may induce positive effects in different physical domains. Compared to unimodal training, multimodal training allows similar effect sizes at lower overall training volumes. Studies are needed to investigate the potential value of multimodal training with systematic training, especially compared to other exercise-based interventions. This study aimed to compare the effects of a multimodal training with an outdoor walking program, on postural control, muscle strength, and flexibility in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This study is a pragmatic controlled clinical trial. We compared two real community exercise groups: a multimodal group (n = 53) and an outdoor, overground walking group (n = 45). Both groups participated in 32 sessions of training, twice a week, over 16 weeks. Participants were evaluated using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), Handgrip, 5-Times Sit-to-Stand Test, 3-meter Gait Speed Test, and Sit and Reach Test. Results: There was an interaction effect between evaluation and group in the Mini- BESTest with difference between pre and post-intervention only in multimodal group. Regarding gait speed, there was an interaction effect between evaluation and group with difference between pre and post-intervention only in the walking group. In the Sit and Reach Test: there was interaction effect between evaluation and group with difference between pre and post-intervention only in the walking group. Conclusion: The multimodal training improved postural control, while an outdoor walking program improved gait speed and flexibility. Both interventions improved muscle strength without between-group differences.

Applicability of an immersive virtual reality system to assess egocentric orientation of older adults.

BACKGROUND: Spatial orientation is a cognitive domain frequently compromised in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and may be one of its first clinical manifestations. Some studies have shown that allocentric integration with egocentric spatial information seems to be impaired in this pathology. There is no consensus on how best to assess spatial orientation and traditional tests lack ecological validity, but, recently, virtual reality (VR) has provided new opportunities for this assessment. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the applicability and stability of an immersive virtual task developed to assess spatial orientation, the Spatial Orientation in Immersive Virtual Environment Maze Test (SOIVET-Maze) in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: Forty-three older adults were included in the study, 24 without cognitive impairment and 19 with mild cognitive impairment. Applicability was assessed by the Witmer and Singer Sense of Presence Questionnaire and a questionnaire for adverse events of cybersickness. To assess stability, participants were assessed twice with an interval of 7 to 14 days, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated between visits. The t test or the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare applicability and stability between groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding applicability. A strong correlation between the first and second day of testing was found in the mild cognitive impairment group. CONCLUSION: The SOIVET-Maze task showed excellent applicability and good stability, favoring its clinical application for the evaluation of spatial orientation in older adults.

ANTECEDENTES: A orientação espacial é um domínio cognitivo frequentemente comprometido em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer (DA) e pode ser uma das suas primeiras manifestações clínicas. Alguns estudos demonstraram que a integração alocêntrica com informações espaciais egocêntricas parece prejudicada nessa patologia. Não há um consenso sobre qual a melhor forma de avaliar a orientação espacial e os testes tradicionais carecem de validade ecológica; porém, recentemente, a realidade virtual (RV) proporcionou novas oportunidades para esta avaliação. OBJETIVOS: Analisar a aplicabilidade e estabilidade de uma tarefa virtual imersiva desenvolvida para avaliar a orientação espacial, o Spatial Orientation in Immersive Virtual Environment Maze Test (SOIVET-Maze) em idosos com e sem comprometimento cognitivo leve. MéTODOS: Quarenta e três idosos foram incluídos no estudo, 24 sem comprometimento cognitivo e 19 com comprometimento cognitivo leve. A aplicabilidade foi avaliada pelo Witmer and Singer Sense of Presence Questionnaire e um questionário para eventos adversos de cybersickness. Para avaliar a estabilidade, os participantes foram avaliados 2 vezes com intervalo de 7 a 14 dias, e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse foi calculado entre as visitas. O teste t ou o teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para comparar a aplicabilidade e estabilidade entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à aplicabilidade. Uma forte correlação entre o primeiro e o segundo dia de teste foi encontrada no grupo de comprometimento cognitivo leve. CONCLUSãO: A tarefa SOIVET-Maze apresentou excelente aplicabilidade e boa estabilidade, favorecendo sua aplicação clínica para avaliação da orientação espacial em idosos.

Applicability of an immersive virtual reality system to assess egocentric orientation of older adults / Aplicabilidade de um sistema de realidade virtual imersivo para avaliar a orientação egocêntrica de idosos

Abstract Background Spatial orientation is a cognitive domain frequently compromised in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and may be one of its first clinical manifestations. Some studies have shown that allocentric integration with egocentric spatial information seems to be impaired in this pathology. There is no consensus on how best to assess spatial orientation and traditional tests lack ecological validity, but, recently, virtual reality (VR) has provided new opportunities for this assessment. Objectives To analyze the applicability and stability of an immersive virtual task developed to assess spatial orientation, the Spatial Orientation in Immersive Virtual Environment Maze Test (SOIVET-Maze) in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment. Methods Forty-three older adults were included in the study, 24 without cognitive impairment and 19 with mild cognitive impairment. Applicability was assessed by the Witmer and Singer Sense of Presence Questionnaire and a questionnaire for adverse events of cybersickness. To assess stability, participants were assessed twice with an interval of 7 to 14 days, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated between visits. The t test or the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare applicability and stability between groups. Results There was no significant difference between the groups regarding applicability. A strong correlation between the first and second day of testing was found in the mild cognitive impairment group. Conclusion The SOIVET-Maze task showed excellent applicability and good stability, favoring its clinical application for the evaluation of spatial orientation in older adults.

Resumo Antecedentes A orientação espacial é um domínio cognitivo frequentemente comprometido em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer (DA) e pode ser uma das suas primeiras manifestações clínicas. Alguns estudos demonstraram que a integração alocêntrica com informações espaciais egocêntricas parece prejudicada nessa patologia. Não há um consenso sobre qual a melhor forma de avaliar a orientação espacial e os testes tradicionais carecem de validade ecológica; porém, recentemente, a realidade virtual (RV) proporcionou novas oportunidades para esta avaliação. Objetivos Analisar a aplicabilidade e estabilidade de uma tarefa virtual imersiva desenvolvida para avaliar a orientação espacial, o Spatial Orientation in Immersive Virtual Environment Maze Test (SOIVET-Maze) em idosos com e sem comprometimento cognitivo leve. Métodos Quarenta e três idosos foram incluídos no estudo, 24 sem comprometimento cognitivo e 19 com comprometimento cognitivo leve. A aplicabilidade foi avaliada pelo Witmer and Singer Sense of Presence Questionnaire e um questionário para eventos adversos de cybersickness. Para avaliar a estabilidade, os participantes foram avaliados 2 vezes com intervalo de 7 a 14 dias, e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse foi calculado entre as visitas. O teste t ou o teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para comparar a aplicabilidade e estabilidade entre os grupos. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à aplicabilidade. Uma forte correlação entre o primeiro e o segundo dia de teste foi encontrada no grupo de comprometimento cognitivo leve. Conclusão A tarefa SOIVET-Maze apresentou excelente aplicabilidade e boa estabilidade, favorecendo sua aplicação clínica para avaliação da orientação espacial em idosos.

Roland-Morris disability questionnaire is bidimensional and has 16 items when applied to community-dwelling older adults with low back pain.

PURPOSE: To explore the evidence of the internal structure validity of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire in older adults with low back pain. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of psychometric testing involving 528 older adults with low back pain. Internal structure validity was explored by exploratory factor analysis and semi-confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was verified using Kuder-Richardson Formula 20, Cronbach's alpha, and McDonald's omega. Replicability was observed by the generalized H index. RESULTS: Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire displayed two factors that assess "functional capacity" and "mobility". Eight items were excluded for presenting cross-loading (2 and 10), inadequate loading factors and communalities (18, 24, 13, and 12), or did not relate to the latent construct (15 and 22). Semi-confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the questionnaire had a good fitness model [X2 = 153.698 (p = 0.00001); RMSEA = 0.037; RMSR = 0.06; WRMR = 0.04; NNFI = 0.987; GFI = 0.979; AGFI = 0.971]. Reliability was acceptable (KR-20 = 0.79; Cronbach's alpha = 0.86; McDonald's Omega = 0.85), but replicability was poor in both factors (G-H factor 1 = 0.816-0.655; G-H factor 2 = 0.889-0.775). CONCLUSIONS: The most appropriate version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire to apply to older adults with low back pain has 16 items and assesses functional capacity and mobility. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe RMDQ-16 is the most appropriate version of the RMDQ to use in older adults with LBP;The RMDQ-16 is bidimensional and assesses "functional capacity" and "mobility";The poor replicability of the RMDQ-16 indicates that it will probably not be stable across studies, but it can be useful in a clinical setting.

Applicability of an immersive virtual reality system for assessing route learning in older adults.

Spatial orientation is defined as the ability to find one's way around an environment, follow familiar routes, recognize places, and learn new routes. Spatial disorientation is one of the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and traditional cognitive evaluation lacks ecological validity. Therefore, new assessment methods are needed for the early identification of this cognitive impairment. Objective: This study aimed to compare the applicability and stability of an immersive virtual reality (VR) system developed to assess route learning between older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: The study sample included 43 older adults: 22 without MCI and 23 with MCI. Applicability was assessed based on the recording of adverse events and the sense of presence reported through questionnaires. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare the applicability of the Spatial Orientation in Immersive Virtual Environment Test (SOIVET)-Route task between older adults with and without MCI. Both short- and long-term stabilities of the task were evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The mean age of participants was 71.4 years (SD=5.5). A minimum number of adverse events (mean=1.46; SD=2.11) and high levels of presence (mean=138.04; SD=14.80) were reported, and there was no difference between groups with and without MCI. A good to excellent correlation was found for short-term stability (CCI 0.78) and a reasonable correlation was found for long-term stability (CCI 0.58). Conclusions: The VR system was applicable for older adults and showed a good to excellent correlation for short-term stability.

Orientação espacial é a capacidade de encontrar um caminho em um ambiente, seguir rotas familiares, reconhecer lugares e aprender novas rotas. A desorientação espacial é um dos primeiros sintomas da doença de Alzheimer, e a avaliação cognitiva tradicional carece de validade ecológica. Diante disso, novos métodos de avaliação são necessários para a identificação precoce desse comprometimento cognitivo. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a aplicabilidade e a estabilidade de um sistema de realidade virtual imersivo desenvolvido para avaliar a aprendizagem de rotas entre idosos com e sem comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL). Métodos: Participaram do estudo 43 idosos: 22 sem CCL e 23 com CCL. A aplicabilidade foi avaliada por meio do registro de eventos adversos e pela sensação de presença relatados. O teste de Mann-Whitney foi aplicado para comparar a aplicabilidade da tarefa SOIVET-Route entre idosos com e sem CCL. A estabilidade da tarefa em curto e longo prazo foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC). Resultados: A idade média dos participantes foi de 71,4 anos (desvio padrão ­ DP=5,5). Em relação à aplicabilidade, encontramos mínimo relato de sintomas adversos (média=1,46; DP=2,11) e altos níveis de sensação de presença (média 138,04; DP=14,80), e não houve diferença entre os grupos com e sem CCL. Ao analisarmos a estabilidade, encontramos de boa a excelente correlação em curto prazo (CCI=0,78) e uma correlação razoável em longo prazo (CCI=0,58). Conclusões: O sistema de realidade virtual foi aplicável em idosos e mostrou boa correlação na estabilidade de curto prazo.

Applicability of an immersive virtual reality system for assessing route learning in older adults / Aplicabilidade de um sistema de realidade virtual imersivo para avaliação da aprendizagem de rotas em idosos

ABSTRACT. Spatial orientation is defined as the ability to find one's way around an environment, follow familiar routes, recognize places, and learn new routes. Spatial disorientation is one of the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and traditional cognitive evaluation lacks ecological validity. Therefore, new assessment methods are needed for the early identification of this cognitive impairment. Objective: This study aimed to compare the applicability and stability of an immersive virtual reality (VR) system developed to assess route learning between older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: The study sample included 43 older adults: 22 without MCI and 23 with MCI. Applicability was assessed based on the recording of adverse events and the sense of presence reported through questionnaires. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare the applicability of the Spatial Orientation in Immersive Virtual Environment Test (SOIVET)-Route task between older adults with and without MCI. Both short- and long-term stabilities of the task were evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The mean age of participants was 71.4 years (SD=5.5). A minimum number of adverse events (mean=1.46; SD=2.11) and high levels of presence (mean=138.04; SD=14.80) were reported, and there was no difference between groups with and without MCI. A good to excellent correlation was found for short-term stability (CCI 0.78) and a reasonable correlation was found for long-term stability (CCI 0.58). Conclusions: The VR system was applicable for older adults and showed a good to excellent correlation for short-term stability.

RESUMO. Orientação espacial é a capacidade de encontrar um caminho em um ambiente, seguir rotas familiares, reconhecer lugares e aprender novas rotas. A desorientação espacial é um dos primeiros sintomas da doença de Alzheimer, e a avaliação cognitiva tradicional carece de validade ecológica. Diante disso, novos métodos de avaliação são necessários para a identificação precoce desse comprometimento cognitivo. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a aplicabilidade e a estabilidade de um sistema de realidade virtual imersivo desenvolvido para avaliar a aprendizagem de rotas entre idosos com e sem comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL). Métodos: Participaram do estudo 43 idosos: 22 sem CCL e 23 com CCL. A aplicabilidade foi avaliada por meio do registro de eventos adversos e pela sensação de presença relatados. O teste de Mann-Whitney foi aplicado para comparar a aplicabilidade da tarefa SOIVET-Route entre idosos com e sem CCL. A estabilidade da tarefa em curto e longo prazo foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC). Resultados: A idade média dos participantes foi de 71,4 anos (desvio padrão — DP=5,5). Em relação à aplicabilidade, encontramos mínimo relato de sintomas adversos (média=1,46; DP=2,11) e altos níveis de sensação de presença (média 138,04; DP=14,80), e não houve diferença entre os grupos com e sem CCL. Ao analisarmos a estabilidade, encontramos de boa a excelente correlação em curto prazo (CCI=0,78) e uma correlação razoável em longo prazo (CCI=0,58). Conclusões: O sistema de realidade virtual foi aplicável em idosos e mostrou boa correlação na estabilidade de curto prazo.

Social isolation due to COVID-19: impact on loneliness, sedentary behavior, and falls in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: The World Health Organization has recommended social isolation to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Thus, feelings of loneliness, sedentary behavior, and predisposition to falls have been reported more often due to the adoption of social isolation, especially for older adults. The objective of this study was to compare older adults' loneliness, sedentary behavior, and occurrence of falls before and during social isolation due to the pandemic as well as to analyze the association of loneliness with sedentary lifestyle and falls in older adults. METHOD: Retrospective analytical study conducted through an online survey with older adults from Brazilian states in social isolation, approved by the Research Ethics Committee (number 32168920.0.0000.0068). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in loneliness and sedentary behavior during social isolation (p-value < 0.05 for both), but no increase was observed for falls (p-value = 0.615). There was no correlation between the outcomes, nor was there a correlation between the outcomes and the number of days in social isolation. CONCLUSION: The results of this research show that adoption of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic brought an increase in sedentary behavior and loneliness for older adults but had no effect on the number of falls.

A multidimensional program including standing exercises, health education, and telephone support to reduce sedentary behavior in frail older adults: Randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multidimensional program including home-based standing exercises, health education, and telephone support for the reduction of sedentary behavior in community-dwelling frail older adults. The secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and adherence of the program. STUDY DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 43 frail older adults were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention consisted of combined strategies including home-based standing exercises, health education, and telephone support for 16 weeks for frail older adults. The control group received orientation regarding the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary behavior was evaluated by total sedentary time, accumulated sedentary time in bouts of at least 10 min, and by the break in sedentary time, measured by an accelerometer used for at least 600 min/day for 4 days. Safety was assessed by self-reporting of possible adverse events. Adherence was assessed based on the number of days in which standing exercises were performed by the participants. Repeated measures ANOVA and Tukeys post hoc test were used to analyze the collected data. RESULTS: The intervention group reduced the sedentary time by 30 min/day (p= 0.048), but without significant maintenance after 30 days of the program. Of the total number of participants, 82% (n = 14) of the intervention group participants showed more than 70% adherence to the program. The main adverse effects faced by the intervention group participants were tiredness (53%; n = 9) and lower limb pain (47%; n = 8). CONCLUSIONS: The multidimensional program reduced sedentary behavior, was safe, and showed satisfactory adherence in frail older adults.

Spatial orientation tasks show moderate to high accuracy for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment: a systematic literature review.

Spatial disorientation has been observed in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and is associated with a higher risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there is no gold standard assessment for spatial orientation and paper-and-pencil tests lack ecological validity. Recently, there has been an increasing number of studies demonstrating the role of spatial disorientation as a cognitive marker of pathological decline, shedding new light on its importance for MCI. This systematic review aimed to investigate the accuracy of spatial orientation tasks for the diagnosis of MCI by comparison with cognitively healthy elderly. The search was conducted in the databases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Only original studies reporting spatial orientation assessment in MCI patients compared to a healthy control group were included. Studies were excluded if the MCI classification did not follow well described criteria and/or if accuracy results of spatial orientation assessment were not provided. Seven studies met the eligibility criteria, describing a variety of spatial orientation assessments including questionnaires, paper-and-pencil, office-based route learning, and computer-based and virtual reality tasks. Spatial orientation tasks demonstrated moderate to high accuracy in detecting elderly with MCI compared to cognitively healthy elderly, with areas under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.77 to 0.99. However, important methodological issues were found in the selected studies which should be considered when interpreting results. Although the inclusion of spatial orientation assessments in MCI evaluations seems to have significant value, further studies are needed to clarify their true capacity to distinguish pathological from non-pathological aging.

Spatial orientation tasks show moderate to high accuracy for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment: a systematic literature review / Tarefas de orientação espacial têm acurácia moderada a alta para o diagnóstico de comprometimento cognitivo leve: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Spatial disorientation has been observed in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and is associated with a higher risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there is no gold standard assessment for spatial orientation and paper-and-pencil tests lack ecological validity. Recently, there has been an increasing number of studies demonstrating the role of spatial disorientation as a cognitive marker of pathological decline, shedding new light on its importance for MCI. This systematic review aimed to investigate the accuracy of spatial orientation tasks for the diagnosis of MCI by comparison with cognitively healthy elderly. The search was conducted in the databases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Only original studies reporting spatial orientation assessment in MCI patients compared to a healthy control group were included. Studies were excluded if the MCI classification did not follow well described criteria and/or if accuracy results of spatial orientation assessment were not provided. Seven studies met the eligibility criteria, describing a variety of spatial orientation assessments including questionnaires, paper-and-pencil, office-based route learning, and computer-based and virtual reality tasks. Spatial orientation tasks demonstrated moderate to high accuracy in detecting elderly with MCI compared to cognitively healthy elderly, with areas under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.77 to 0.99. However, important methodological issues were found in the selected studies which should be considered when interpreting results. Although the inclusion of spatial orientation assessments in MCI evaluations seems to have significant value, further studies are needed to clarify their true capacity to distinguish pathological from non-pathological aging.

RESUMO A ocorrência de desorientação espacial foi observada no comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) e está associada a um maior risco de progressão para a doença de Alzheimer (DA). No entanto, não há um padrão ouro para avaliação da orientação espacial e os testes em papel e caneta não apresentam validade ecológica. Recentemente, um número cada vez maior de estudos têm apontado o papel da desorientação espacial como um marcador cognitivo do declínio patológico, lançando uma nova luz sobre sua importância para o CCL. Esta revisão sistemática teve como objetivo investigar a acurácia de tarefas de orientação espacial para se estabelecer o diagnóstico de CCL entre idosos cognitivamente saudáveis. A pesquisa foi realizada através das bases de dados Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Lilacs e Scielo. Apenas artigos originais que reportassem avaliação da orientação espacial em idosos CCL comparados a um grupo controle saudável foram incluídos. Foram excluídos os estudos que não utilizassem a classificação de CCL segundo critérios bem descritos e/ou que não reportassem resultados de acurácia da avaliação da orientação espacial. Sete estudos atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade, descrevendo uma variedade de formas de avaliação da orientação espacial, incluindo questionários, tarefas em papel e lápis, tarefas de aprendizado de rotas no escritório, tarefas baseadas em computador e com realidade virtual. As tarefas de orientação espacial demonstraram acurácia moderada a alta na detecção de CCL em comparação com idosos cognitivamente saudáveis, com áreas sob a curva (area under the curve — AUC) variando de 0,77 a 0,99. No entanto, um viés metodológico importante foi identificado nos estudos selecionados, o que deve ser levado em consideração na interpretação dos resultados. Apesar da inclusão da orientação espacial na avaliação cognitiva em CCL parecer ter um valor significativo, mais estudos são necessários para esclarecer sua verdadeira capacidade de distinguir o envelhecimento patológico do não patológico.

Reliability, Validity, and Ability to Identity Fall Status of the Berg Balance Scale, Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), Mini-BESTest, and Brief-BESTest in Older Adults Who Live in Nursing Homes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In any given year, 28% to 35% of older adults experience falls. In nursing home environments, the annual rate of falls increases to 30% to 50%. Our objective was to verify and compare the reliability, validity, and ability to identify falls of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), Mini-BESTest, and Brief-BESTest for older adults who live in nursing homes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Older adults (n = 49; aged 62-90 years; mean = 77.8; standard deviation = 7.2) were recruited from a nonprofit nursing home. All participants were assessed by 2 physiotherapists using the BBS, BESTest, Mini-BESTest, and Brief-BESTest. The interrater and test-retest (7-14 days) reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs [2, 1]). Minimal detectable changes at the 95% confidence level were established. To analyze each test's ability to identify fall status, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, whose statistical significance we verified using the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The diagnostic likelihood ratios (positive and negative) and 95% CI were used to verify posttest probability. We used Fagan's nomogram to show the posttest probability of each balance test. Validity was assessed using kappa coefficients and the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). RESULTS: Interrater and test-retest reliability for the total scores were good to excellent across all 4 tests (ICC interrater value = 0.992-0.994 and ICC test-retest value = 0.886-0.945). All tests were also able to identify fall status (AUC = 0.712-0.762) and were in good agreement with each other (kappa coefficient for individuals with fall risk = 0.679-0.957 and individuals with no fall risk = 0.135-0.143; PABAK = 83.7%-98%). CONCLUSION: All balance tests presented similar reliability, reproducibility, and validity. This suggests that any of these tests can be used in clinical practice. However, the Brief-BESTest is the quickest and easiest test to perform.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the St. Thomas's Falls Risk Assessment Tool in Older Adults (STRATIFY) / Adaptação transcultural, confiabilidade e validade da St. Thomas's Falls Risk Assessment Tool in Older Adults (STRATIFY) / Adaptación transcultural, confiabilidad y validez de St. Thomas's Falls Risk Assessment Tool in Older Adults (STRATIFY)

Abstract Introduction: Falls are an important adverse event among older adults. The St. Thomas's Falls Risk Assessment Tool in Older Adults (STRATIFY) is a tool to assess the risk of falls; however, it is not translated and adapted to Portuguese. Objective: To translate and perform a cross-cultural adaptation of STRATIFY in Brazilian Portuguese, as well as to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. Method: The cross-cultural adaptation process was carried out in six stages: A) T1 and T2 translations; B) synthesis of translations (T12); C) T12 back translations (RT1 and RT2); D) expert committee review; E) pretesting of the version approved by the committee; F) adapted version of STRATIFY for Brazilian Portuguese. Inter-rater and test-retest reliability were performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Validity was assessed by the Spearman's correlation coefficient of the STRATIFY with the Morse Fall Scale (MFS). Data analysis was performed by the Microsoft Office Excel 2016 (translation and adaptation) and by the IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 (reliability and validity). We used a level of significance of p<0.05. Results: Data were presented about the perception of 33 health professionals on the adapted version of STRATIFY. The following ICC and CI were found for inter-rater and test-retest reliability, respectively: ICC=0.729; CI=0.525-0.845 and ICC=0.876; CI=0.781-0.929. STRATIFY and MFS showed a moderate but significant correlation (ρ=0.50, p<0.001). Conclusion: The translated and adapted version of the STRATIFY presented moderate inter-rater reliability and good test-retest reliability, in addition to a moderate correlation to the MFS.

Resumo Introdução: A queda entre idosos é um fator adverso importante. Um instrumento de avaliação para risco de queda é a St. Thomas's Risk Assessment Tool in Falling Elderly Inpatients (STRATIFY), porém não é traduzida e adaptada para o português. Objetivo: Realizar tradução e adaptação transcultural do instrumento STRATIFY para o idioma português (Brasil), bem como testar a confiabilidade e validade do instrumento. Método: O processo de adaptação ocorreu em 6 etapas: a) traduções T1 e T2; b) síntese das traduções (T12); c) retrotraduções de T12 (RT1 e RT2); d) comissão de especialistas; e) pré-teste da versão aprovada pelo comitê; f) versão adaptada da STRATIFY para o português. A confiabilidade inter-avaliador e teste-reteste foi realizada utilizando-se o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) e intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. A validade foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman da STRATIFY com a Escala de Morse (EM). A análise de dados ocorreu pelo software Microsoft Office Excel 2016 (tradução e adaptação) e pelo programa IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 (confiabilidade e validade). O nível de significância adotado foi de p<0,05. Resultados: Foram apresentados dados sobre a percepção de 33 profissionais da saúde sobre a versão adaptada da STRATIFY. E foram encontrados os seguintes CCI e IC para a confiabilidade inter-avaliador e teste-reteste, respectivamente: CCI=0,729; IC=0,525-0,845 e CCI=0,876; IC=0,781-0,929. A STRATIFY e a EM apresentaram moderada correlação, porém significativa (p=0,50; p<0,001). Conclusão: A versão traduzida e adaptada da STRATIFY apresentou moderada confiabilidade inter-avaliador e boa confiabilidade teste-reteste, além de correlacionar-se moderadamente à EM.

Resumen Introducción: La caída entre ancianos es un factor adverso importante. Un instrumento de evaluación para riesgo de caída es la St. Thomas's Risk Assessment Tool in Falling Elderly Inpatients (STRATIFY), pero no es traducida y adaptada para el portugués. Objetivo: Realizar traducción y adaptación transcultural del instrumento STRATIFY para el idioma portugués (Brasil), así como probar la confiabilidad y validez del instrumento. Método: El proceso de adaptación ocurrió en 6 etapas: a) traducciones T1 y T2; b) síntesis de las traducciones (T12); c) retroacciones de T12 (RT1 y RT2); d) comisión de expertos; e) pre-prueba de la versión aprobada por el comité; f) versión adaptada de STRATIFY al portugués. La confiabilidad inter-evaluadora y prueba-reprueba se probó utilizando el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) y el intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%. La validez fue evaluada por el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman de la STRATIFY con la Escala de Morse (EM). El análisis de datos se produjo por el software Microsoft Office Excel 2016 (traducción y adaptación) y el programa IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 (confiabilidad y validez). El nivel de significancia adoptado fue de p<0,05. Resultados: Se presentaron datos sobre la percepción de 33 profesionales de la salud sobre la versión adaptada de STRATIFY. Se encontraron los siguientes CCI e IC para la confiabilidad inter-evaluadora y prueba-reprueba, respectivamente: CCI=0,729; IC=0,525-0,845 y CCI=0,876; IC=0,781-0,929. La STRATIFY y la EM presentaron una moderada correlación, pero significativa (ρ=0,50; p<0,001). Conclusión: La versión traducida y adaptada de STRATIFY presentó moderada confiabilidad inter-evaluadora y buena confiabilidad prueba-reprueba, además de correlacionarse moderadamente a la EM.

Feasibility, safety, acceptability, and functional outcomes of playing Nintendo Wii Fit PlusTM for frail older adults: A randomized feasibility clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recently, interactive video games (IVGs) have been used as a health-care intervention that provides both exercise and cognitive stimulation. Several studies have shown that IVGs can improve postural control, gait, cognition, and functional independence in elderly people and patients with neurological disease. However, there is a lack of evidence about the effects of IVGs on frail and pre-frail elderly people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of playing Nintendo Wii Fit Plus™ (NWFP) interactive video games, and the functional outcomes (postural control, gait, cognition, mood, and fear of falling) in frail and pre-frail older adults. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled, parallel-group, feasibility trial. Participants were frail and pre-frail older adults randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG, n = 15) or control group (CG, n = 15). Participants in the EG performed 14 training sessions, lasting 50 min each, twice a week. In each training session, participants played five of 10 selected games, with two attempts at each game. Participants in the CG received general advice regarding the importance of physical activity. All participants were assessed on three occasions by a blinded physical therapist: before and after intervention, and 30 days after the end of the intervention (follow-up). We assessed the feasibility (score of participants in the games), acceptability (game satisfaction questionnaire), safety (adverse events during training sessions), and functional outcomes: (1) postural control (Mini-BESTest); (2) gait (Functional Gait Assessment); (3) cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment); (4) mood (GDS-15); and (5) fear of falling (FES-I). RESULTS: Participants in the EG improved their scores in all 10 games, reported that they understood and enjoyed the tasks of the games, and presented few adverse events during the practice. There was a significant improvement in the Mini-BESTest and Functional Gait Assessment in the EG when compared with the CG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of NWFP was feasible, acceptable, and safe for frail older adults and improved their postural control and gait. There were no effects on cognition, mood, or fear of falling. This trial was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-823rst) on 11 June 2016.

Effects of Kinect Adventures Games Versus Conventional Physical Therapy on Postural Control in Elderly People: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of Kinect Adventures games versus conventional physiotherapy to improve postural control (PC), gait, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cognition of the elderly. In addition, we evaluated the safety, acceptability, and adherence to the interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a randomized clinical trial in which 46 elderly individuals were selected, mean age 69.3 (5.34) years. Participants were allocated to the Kinect Adventures Training Group (KATG) or the Conventional Physical Therapy Group (CPTG), 23 individuals in each group. Participants of both groups participated in 14 training sessions lasting 1 hour each, twice a week. The KATG practiced four Kinect Adventures games. The CPTG participated in conventional physiotherapy. The primary outcome was PC: Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), and secondary outcomes were gait: Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), cardiorespiratory fitness: Six-minute step test (6MST), and cognition: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Acceptability was assessed through a questionnaire created by the researchers themselves. Adherence was assessed by the "frequency of the number of elderly individuals who completed the interventions and safety through the presence of adverse effects." Participants were assessed immediately pre- and posttreatment and fourth week after the end of the treatment. Statistical analysis was done through repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test. RESULTS: Both groups presented a significant improvement in the PC (Mini-BEST), gait (FGA), and cognition (MoCA) posttreatment that was maintained at fourth week after treatment (post hoc Tukey test; P < 0.05). Regarding cardiorespiratory fitness (6MST), the KATG presented improvement posttreatment and maintenance of the results in the fourth week after treatment. CPTG showed improvement only in fourth week after treatment (post hoc Tukey tests; P < 0.05). Regarding the acceptability, the questionnaire showed that both groups were satisfied with regard to the proposed interventions. There was 91% adherence in both training sessions. Regarding the safety, 34% and 26% of the individuals of the KATG and CPTG, respectively, presented adverse effects of delayed muscle pain in the lower limbs after the first session only. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between the KATG and CPTG; both interventions provided positive effects on PC, gait, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cognition of the elderly.

Feasibility, safety, acceptability, and functional outcomes of playing Nintendo Wii Fit Plus™ for frail elderly: study protocol for a feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Frailty can be defined as a medical syndrome with multiple causes and contributors, characterized by diminished strength and endurance and reduced physiological function that increases the vulnerability to develop functional dependency and/or death. Studies have shown that the most commonly studied exercise protocol for frail older adults is the multimodal training. Interactive video games (IVGs) involve tasks in virtual environments that combine physical and cognitive demands in an attractive and challenging way. The aim of this study will be to evaluate the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and functional outcomes of playing Nintendo Wii Fit PlusTM (NWFP) for frail older adults. METHODS/DESIGN: The study is a randomized controlled, parallel group, feasibility trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). The EG will participate in 14 training sessions, each lasting 50 min, twice a week. In each training session, the participants will play five games, with three attempts at each game. The first attempt will be performed with the assistance of a physical therapist to correct the movements and posture of the patients and subsequent attempts will be performed independently. Scores achieved in the games will be recorded. The participants will be evaluated by a blinded physical therapist at three moments: before and after intervention and 30 days after the end of the intervention (follow-up). We will assess the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and clinical outcomes (postural control, gait, cognition, quality of life, mood, and fear of falling). DISCUSSION: Due to the deficiencies in multiple systems, studies have shown that multimodal interventions including motor-cognitive stimulation can improve the mobility of frail elderly adults. IVGs, among them the NWFP, are considered as a multimodal motor-cognitive intervention that can potentially improve motor and cognitive functions in the frail elderly. However, there is still no evidence in the literature that proves the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and functional outcomes of this intervention in frail elderly individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-823rst). World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set (Additional file 1).

Declínio de atividades instrumentais de vida diária associado à perda de força de preensão palmar em idosos internados em enfermaria geriátrica / Decline in instrumental activities of daily living associated with loss of hand grip strength in elderly patients hospitalized in geriatric ward

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre a capacidade de executar as atividades instrumentais de vida diária (AIVDs) e a força de preensão palmar em idosos sem comprometimento cognitivo internados em enfermaria geriátrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal. Foram incluídos pacientes idosos, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, de ambos os gêneros, admitidos em enfermaria de Geriatria. Foram excluídos indivíduos com doenças neurológicas, osteomusculares agudas e respiratórias exacerbadas; com indicação médica de repouso ou com uso de algum aparato clínico, bem como aqueles com déficits cognitivos e/ou delirium. Os dados foram coletados do prontuário e foi realizada a avaliação da capacidade de realizar atividades instrumentais de vida diária, por meio da Escala de Lawton, e a avaliação da força de preensão palmar, por meio da dinamometria do membro superior dominante. Os dados foram descritos em média e desvio- padrão. O teste de correlação de Pearson foi aplicado para verificar associação entre a capacidade de realizar AIVDs e a força de preensão palmar. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 12 idosos (75% mulheres) com idade média de 80,67±6,35 anos. As médias da força de preensão palmar e pontuação total da Escala de Lawton foram 11,96±6,71 quilogramas-força (kgf) e 22,58±1,67 pontos, respectivamente. Verificou-se associação moderada e positiva entre a força de preensão palmar e a pontuação na Escala de Lawton (r=0,640; p=0,025). CONCLUSÃO: A capacidade de realizar AIVDs e a força de preensão palmar apresentaram associação na amostra estudada. .

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between the ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and handgrip strength in hospitalized geriatric patients without cognitive impairment. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Elderly patients aged over 60 years of both genders admitted to geriatric patients ward were included. On the other hand, elderly with neurological, musculoskeletal and respiratory acute exacerbated diseases; individuals with medical indication of rest or use of clinical apparatus, cognitive impairment and/or delirium were excluded. Data were collected from medical records. The ability to perform IADL was assessed by Lawton Scale and the handgrip strength was measured using handheld dynamometry on the dominant upper limb. A descriptive analysis with mean and standard deviation was carried out. The Pearson correlation test was applied to verify association between the total score of Lawton Scale and handgrip strength. RESULTS: The study included 12 patients (75% women) whose mean age were 80.67±6.35 years. The mean of handgrip strength and total Lawton Scale score were 11.96±6.71 Kgf and 22.58±1.67 points, respectively. A moderate positive association between handgrip strength and Lawton Scale score (r=0.640; p=0.025) was found. CONCLUSION: The handgrip strength and IADLs were associated in this study population. .