Association between self-perception of the neighborhood environment and sleep problems in older Brazilian adults: findings from ELSI-Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate associations between neighborhood perception and sleep problems in older Brazilian adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 5,719 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years) from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil, 2019-2021). The outcomes were self-reported sleep problems: poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, primary insomnia complaints, difficulty staying asleep, and waking up at dawn. The exposure variables were questions about the perception of participants about the physical and social environment of the neighborhood. Logistic regression was used in data analysis. Garbage, rubbish, or tall grass on the streets and the desire to move were associated with higher odds of poor sleep quality. Concern about falling due to damaged sidewalks, concern about having difficulties taking transportation, and concern about having difficulties crossing the street were associated with higher odds of all sleep problems. Sound/noise of buses and cars was associated with higher odds of some sleep problems. Perceiving the neighborhood as a good place to live was associated with lower odds of daytime sleepiness and primary insomnia complaints. Trusting most people in the neighborhood and perceiving that kids and younger people treat adults with respect were associated with lower odds of daytime sleepiness, primary insomnia complaints, and waking up at dawn. Being a good place for kids to play and raise teenagers was associated with lower odds of daytime sleepiness. These results can assist public administrators in creating urban planning policies aimed at improving neighborhood environments as a means of health promotion.

Worldwide prevalence of sleep problems in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The understanding of the prevalence of sleep problems in older adults can provide a broad and reliable perspective into the occurrence of such issues among older adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the worldwide prevalence of sleep problems in community-dwelling older adults. Studies that provide information on the prevalence of sleep problems in community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) were screened between December 2022 and March 2023. A total of 20,379 studies were identified in database searches, from which 252 were included in this review. These studies covered the last 35 years (from 1988 to 2023) and pooled a sample of 995,544 participants from 36 countries. The most frequent sleep problem worldwide was obstructive sleep apnea (46.0%), followed by poor sleep quality (40.0%), other sleep problems (37.0%), insomnia (29.0%), and excessive daytime sleepiness (19.0%). No significant difference in the prevalence estimates of all sleep problems was observed between the sexes. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of some sleep problems, mainly obstructive sleep apnea, poor sleep quality, and other sleep problems. Our estimates can be useful for managers and policymakers in planning healthcare strategies for sleep problems aimed at the older population.

Association between self-perception of the neighborhood environment and sleep problems in older Brazilian adults: findings from ELSI-Brazil / Associação entre autopercepção do ambiente da vizinhança e problemas de sono em idosos brasileiros: resultados do ELSI-Brasil / Asociación entre la autopercepción del entorno del vecindario y los problemas de sueño en ancianos brasileños: resultados del ELSI-Brasil

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate associations between neighborhood perception and sleep problems in older Brazilian adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 5,719 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years) from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil, 2019-2021). The outcomes were self-reported sleep problems: poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, primary insomnia complaints, difficulty staying asleep, and waking up at dawn. The exposure variables were questions about the perception of participants about the physical and social environment of the neighborhood. Logistic regression was used in data analysis. Garbage, rubbish, or tall grass on the streets and the desire to move were associated with higher odds of poor sleep quality. Concern about falling due to damaged sidewalks, concern about having difficulties taking transportation, and concern about having difficulties crossing the street were associated with higher odds of all sleep problems. Sound/noise of buses and cars was associated with higher odds of some sleep problems. Perceiving the neighborhood as a good place to live was associated with lower odds of daytime sleepiness and primary insomnia complaints. Trusting most people in the neighborhood and perceiving that kids and younger people treat adults with respect were associated with lower odds of daytime sleepiness, primary insomnia complaints, and waking up at dawn. Being a good place for kids to play and raise teenagers was associated with lower odds of daytime sleepiness. These results can assist public administrators in creating urban planning policies aimed at improving neighborhood environments as a means of health promotion.

Resumo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar associações entre percepções da vizinhança e problemas de sono em idosos brasileiros. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 5.719 idosos da comunidade (≥ 60 anos) do Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde dos Idosos Brasileiros (ELSI-Brasil, 2019-2021). Os desfechos foram problemas de sono autorreferidos: má qualidade do sono, sonolência diurna, queixas de insônia primária, dificuldade em manter o sono e acordar na madrugada. As variáveis de exposição foram: questões sobre a percepção dos participantes sobre o ambiente físico e social da vizinhança. Regressão logística foi utilizada na análise dos dados. Lixo, sujeira ou grama alta nas ruas e o desejo de mudar de onde mora foram associados a maiores chances de má qualidade do sono. Preocupação em cair devido a calçadas em má condição, preocupação com dificuldades para usar os meios de transporte e preocupação com dificuldades para atravessar a rua foram associadas a maiores chances de todos os problemas de sono. O som/ruído dos ônibus e carros foi associado a maiores chances de alguns problemas de sono. A percepção da vizinhança como um bom lugar para morar foi associado a menores chances de sonolência diurna e queixas de insônia primária. A confiança na maioria das pessoas da vizinhança e a percepção de que crianças e jovens tratam os adultos com respeito foram associados a menores chances de sonolência diurna, queixas de insônia primária e acordar na madrugada. Um bom lugar para as crianças brincarem e para os adolescentes crescerem foi associado a menores chances de sonolência diurna. Esses resultados podem ajudar os gestores públicos na criação de políticas de planejamento urbano voltadas a melhorias nos ambientes da vizinhança como forma de promoção da saúde.

Resumen: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las asociaciones entre las percepcion del vecindario y los problemas de sueño en ancianos brasileños. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 5.719 ancianos de la comunidad (≥ 60 años) del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud de los Ancianos Brasileños (ELSI-Brasil, 2019-2021). Los desenlaces fueron los siguientes: problemas de sueño autoinformados: mala calidad del sueño, somnolencia diurna, quejas de insomnio primario, dificultad para permanecer dormido y despertarse durante la madrugada. Las variables de exposición fueron las siguientes: preguntas sobre la percepción de los participantes sobre el entorno físico y social del vecindario. En el análisis de datos se utilizó la regresión logística. La basura, la suciedad o el césped alto en las calles y el deseo de cambiar el lugar donde viven se asociaron con mayores probabilidades de tener una mala calidad del sueño. La preocupación por las caídas debido a aceras en mal estado, la preocupación por las dificultades para utilizar los medios de transporte y la preocupación por las dificultades para cruzar la calle se asociaron con mayores probabilidades de sufrir todos los problemas de sueño. El ruido producido por los autobuses y automóviles se asoció con una mayor probabilidad de sufrir algunos problemas de sueño. La percepción del vecindario como un buen lugar para vivir se asoció con menores probabilidades de sufrir somnolencia diurna y quejas de insomnio primario. La confianza en la mayoría de la gente del vecindario y la percepción de que los niños y jóvenes tratan a los adultos con respeto se asociaron con menores probabilidades de sufrir somnolencia diurna, quejas de insomnio primario y despertarse durante la madrugada. Un buen lugar para que los niños jugaran y para que los adolescentes crecieran se asoció con menores probabilidades de sufrir somnolencia diurna. Estos resultados pueden ayudar a los gestores públicos a crear políticas de planificación urbana dirigidas a mejorar los entornos vecinales como forma de promover la salud.

A nationwide study on sleep complaints and associated factors in older adults: ELSI-Brazil.

Sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, early awakening with failure to continue sleep, and altered sleep-wake cycle, are common in the general population. This cross-sectional study with 6,929 older adults (≥ 60 years) aimed to estimate the prevalence of different types of sleep problems, their associated factors, and the population-attributable fraction of associated factors among older adults. The outcome variables consisted of self-reported sleep problems: insomnia (initial, intermediate, late, and any type of insomnia), poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. The independent variables were sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and health conditions. The prevalence proportions were initial insomnia (49.1%), intermediate insomnia (49.2%), late insomnia (45.9%), any type of insomnia (58.6%), poor sleep quality (15.6%), and daytime sleepiness (38.4%). Female sex, presence of two or more chronic diseases, not eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, and regular and bad/very bad self-rated health were positively associated with the sleep problems investigated. Consuming alcohol once a month or more was inversely associated with initial insomnia. Population attributable fraction estimates ranged from 3% to 19% considering two or more chronic diseases, not eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, and regular and bad/very bad self-rated health. High prevalence of self-reported sleep problems was evinced in older adults. These results can be useful to guide public health services in the creation of informational, evaluative, and screening strategies for sleep problems in older Brazilian adults.

Circadian rhythm alterations affecting the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases.

The circadian rhythm is a nearly 24-h oscillation found in various physiological processes in the human brain and body that is regulated by environmental and genetic factors. It is responsible for maintaining body homeostasis and it is critical for essential functions, such as metabolic regulation and memory consolidation. Dysregulation in the circadian rhythm can negatively impact human health, resulting in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, psychiatric disorders, and premature death. Emerging evidence points to a relationship between the dysregulation circadian rhythm and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that the alterations in circadian function might play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Better understanding this association is of paramount importance to expand the knowledge on the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as, to provide potential targets for the development of new interventions based on the dysregulation of circadian rhythm. Here we review the latest findings on dysregulation of circadian rhythm alterations in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxia and multiple-system atrophy, focusing on research published in the last 3 years.

Association between sleep problems and multimorbidity patterns in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems are frequent in older adults and are associated with chronic diseases. However, the association with multimorbidity patterns is still unknown. Considering the negative impacts that multimorbidity patterns can have on older adults' life, knowledge of this association can help in the screening and early identification of older adults with sleep problems. The objective was to verify the association between sleep problems and multimorbidity patterns in older Brazilian adults. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with data from 22,728 community-dwelling older adults from the 2019 National Health Survey. The exposure variable was self-reported sleep problems (yes/no). The study outcomes were: multimorbidity patterns, analyzed by self-report of the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases with similar clinical characteristics: (1) cardiopulmonary; (2) vascular-metabolic; (3) musculoskeletal; (4) coexisting patterns. RESULTS: Older adults with sleep problems had 1.34 (95%CI: 1.21; 1.48), 1.62 (95%CI: 1.15; 2.28), 1.64 (95%CI: 1.39; 1.93), and 1.88 (95%CI: 1.52; 2.33) greater odds of presenting vascular-metabolic, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, and coexisting patterns, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that public health programs aimed at preventing sleep problems in older adults are essential to reduce possible adverse health outcomes, including multimorbidity patterns and their negative consequences for older adults' health.

Is waist circumference associated with fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults? A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Fear of falling (FOF) is a prevalent condition among older adults and several variables have been pointed out as risk factors. OBJECTIVES: To identify the cut-off point on waist circumference (WC), capable of discriminating between older adults with and without FOF, and to test the association between WC and FOF. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with older adults of both sexes from Balneário Arroio do Silva, Brazil. We used Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the cut-off point on WC and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounding variables to test the association. RESULTS: Older women with WC >93.5 cm [area under the curve: 0.61 (95%CI 0.53; 0.68)] had 3.30 (95%CI 1.53; 7.14) greater chances of having FOF compared with older women with WC ≤93.5 cm. WC was not able to discriminate FOF in older men. CONCLUSION: WC values >93.5 cm are associated with higher chances of FOF in older women.

A nationwide study on pain manifestations and sleep problems in community-dwelling older adults: findings from ELSI-Brazil.

PURPOSE: Sleep problems are common and affect approximately 36-70% of older adults worldwide and can be associated with negative outcomes such as pain. There is believed to be a bidirectional relationship between sleep problems and pain, modulated by inflammation and stress. The objective was to investigate the association between self-reported sleep problems and pain manifestations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using data from the second wave of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (2019-2021) was conducted. The exposure variables were self-reported sleep problems: poor sleep quality, insomnia (initial, intermediate, and final), and daytime sleepiness. The outcomes were self-reported pain manifestations: frequent pain, moderate/intense/strong pain, and pain-related disability. Logistic regressions were performed to verify the association between exposures and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 6875 community-dwelling older adults participated in this study (71.1 ± 8.3 years; 54.4% female). Older adults with self-reported poor sleep quality, initial, intermediate and final insomnia, and daytime sleepiness had, respectively, 1.99 (95% CI 1.57-2.53), 1.47 (95% CI 1.11-1.97), 1.65 (95% CI 1.27-2.14), 1.69 (95% CI 1.29-2.22), and 1.76 (95% CI 1.35-2.29) greater odds of reporting frequent pain. The odds of moderate/intense/strong pain were higher in older adults that reported poor sleep quality (OR: 2.21; 95% CI 1.08-4.51). Older adults with self-reported poor sleep quality, initial, intermediate and final insomnia, and daytime sleepiness had, respectively, 1.84 (95% CI 1.11-3.02), 1.73 (95% CI 1.14-2.62), 1.80 (95% CI 1.19-2.73), 1.58 (95% CI 1.07-2.34), and 1.63 (95% CI 1.11-2.39) greater odds of reporting pain-related disability. CONCLUSION: Self-reported sleep problems are associated with pain manifestations in older adults. The results may help in the proposition of programs and public health policies.

A nationwide study on sleep complaints and associated factors in older adults: ELSI-Brazil / Estudo nacional sobre queixas de sono e fatores associados em idosos: ELSI-Brasil / Estudio nacional sobre quejas de sueño y factores asociados en adultos mayores: ELSI-Brasil

Abstract: Sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, early awakening with failure to continue sleep, and altered sleep-wake cycle, are common in the general population. This cross-sectional study with 6,929 older adults (≥ 60 years) aimed to estimate the prevalence of different types of sleep problems, their associated factors, and the population-attributable fraction of associated factors among older adults. The outcome variables consisted of self-reported sleep problems: insomnia (initial, intermediate, late, and any type of insomnia), poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. The independent variables were sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and health conditions. The prevalence proportions were initial insomnia (49.1%), intermediate insomnia (49.2%), late insomnia (45.9%), any type of insomnia (58.6%), poor sleep quality (15.6%), and daytime sleepiness (38.4%). Female sex, presence of two or more chronic diseases, not eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, and regular and bad/very bad self-rated health were positively associated with the sleep problems investigated. Consuming alcohol once a month or more was inversely associated with initial insomnia. Population attributable fraction estimates ranged from 3% to 19% considering two or more chronic diseases, not eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, and regular and bad/very bad self-rated health. High prevalence of self-reported sleep problems was evinced in older adults. These results can be useful to guide public health services in the creation of informational, evaluative, and screening strategies for sleep problems in older Brazilian adults.

Resumo: Problemas de sono, como dificuldade para adormecer, permanecer dormindo, despertar precoce com falha na continuidade do sono e alteração do ciclo vigília-sono, são comuns na população em geral. Este estudo transversal com 6.929 idosos (≥ 60 anos) buscou estimar a prevalência de diferentes tipos de problemas de sono, seus fatores associados e a fração atribuível populacional de fatores associados a problemas de sono nessa população. As variáveis de desfecho foram problemas de sono autorreferidos: insônia (inicial, intermediária, tardia e qualquer tipo de insônia), má qualidade do sono e sonolência diurna. As variáveis independentes incluíram características sociodemográficas, comportamentais e condições de saúde. As proporções de prevalência foram: insônia inicial (49,1%), insônia intermediária (49,2%), insônia tardia (45,9%), qualquer tipo de insônia (58,6%), má qualidade do sono (15,6%) e sonolência diurna (38,4%). Sexo feminino, presença de duas ou mais doenças crônicas, não consumir a quantidade recomendada de frutas e hortaliças e autoavaliação da saúde como regular e ruim/muito ruim mostraram associação positiva aos problemas de sono investigados. Consumo de álcool uma vez por mês ou mais associou-se inversamente à insônia inicial. As estimativas da fração atribuível populacional variaram de 3% a 19% considerando duas ou mais doenças crônicas, consumo insuficiente de frutas e vegetais e saúde autorrelatada regular/ruim/muito ruim. Evidenciou-se alta prevalência de problemas de sono autorreferidos em idosos. Esses resultados podem orientar os serviços públicos de saúde na criação de estratégias informativas, avaliativas e de rastreamento de problemas de sono em idosos brasileiros.

Resumen: Problemas del sueño, como la dificultad para conciliar el sueño, permanecer dormido, despertarse temprano sin poder seguir durmiendo y cambios en el ciclo de sueño y vigilia, son comunes en la población en general. Este estudio transversal con 6.929 personas mayores (≥ 60 años) buscó estimar la prevalencia de diferentes tipos de problemas de sueño, sus factores asociados y la fracción atribuible a la población de factores asociados con problemas de sueño en esta población. Las variables de desenlace fueron problemas de sueño autoinformados: insomnio (inicial, intermedio, tardío y cualquier tipo de insomnio), mala calidad del sueño y somnolencia diurna. Las variables independientes incluyeron características sociodemográficos y conductuales y condiciones de salud. Estas fueron las proporciones de prevalencia: insomnio inicial (49,1%), insomnio intermedio (49,2%), insomnio tardío (45,9%), cualquier tipo de insomnio (58,6%), mala calidad del sueño (15,6%) y somnolencia diurna (38,4%). El sexo femenino, la presencia de dos o más enfermedades crónicas, no consumir la cantidad recomendada de frutas y hortalizas y la autoevaluación de la salud como regular y mala/muy mala mostraron una asociación positiva con los problemas de sueño investigados. El consumo de alcohol una vez al mes o más se asoció inversamente con el insomnio inicial. Las estimaciones de la fracción atribuible de la población oscilaron entre el 3% y el 19% considerando dos o más enfermedades crónicas, un consumo insuficiente de frutas y verduras y una salud autoinformada regular/mala/muy mala. Se evidenció una alta prevalencia de problemas de sueño autoinformados en las personas mayores. Estos resultados pueden orientar los servicios públicos de salud en la creación de estrategias informativas, evaluativas y de seguimiento de los problemas de sueño en las personas mayores brasileñas.

Viability of the random pattern dorsal skin flap in mice submitted to photobiomodulation and therapeutic ultrasound / Viabilidade do retalho cutâneo randômico dorsal em camundongos submetidos à fotobiomodulação e ultrassom terapêutico

INTRODUCTION: The skin flap is a surgical technique widely used in clinical practice and generally presents postoperative complications. Therefore, elucidating interventions that assist in tissue conservation is essential. Photobiomodulation (PBM) and therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) are non-invasive alternatives for assisting tissue repair, however, there is no consensus on the parameters used. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effectiveness of the different parameters of PBM and TUS in the viability of the dorsal random pattern skin flap in mice. METHODS: Fifty-five Swiss mice were used, distributed in eleven groups. The animals were submitted to surgical technique including revascularization of the area limited through a plastic barrier (polyester/polyethylene) with the same dimension as the flap. PBM or TUS was applied for five consecutive days. Photographic and thermographic recordings were performed with Cyber-Shot DSC-P72 and FlirC2 cameras and analyzed using the ImageJ® and FLIR Tools software, respectively. In the statistical analysis, the data were submitted to the GraphPad Prism® 8.0 software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA Two-way) and Tukey's post-test was performed, considering 5% significance level. RESULTS: Groups 5 (PBM830 nm; 10 J/cm²) and 6 (TUS 3 MHz; 0.4 W/cm²) showed percentages of viable tissue significantly higher on the third and fifth day of the experiment, when compared to the other groups. The temperature decreased significantly in group 1 when compared to the others in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The continuous TUS at 3 MHz and PBM 830 nm were more effective in improving the viability of the dorsal random pattern skin flap in mice.

INTRODUÇÃO: O retalho cutâneo é uma técnica cirúrgica amplamente empregada na prática clínica e comumente apresenta complicações pós-operatórias. Portanto, elucidar intervenções que auxiliem na conservação do tecido são fundamentais. A fotobiomodulação (FBM) e o ultrassom terapêutico (UST) são alternativas não invasivas que auxiliam no reparo tecidual, contudo, ainda não há consenso sobre os parâmetros a serem utilizados. OBJETIVO: Descrever a efetividade dos diferentes parâmetros da FBM e do UST na viabilidade do retalho cutâneo randômico dorsal em camundongos. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se 55 camundongos Swiss, distribuídos em onze grupos. Os animais foram submetidos à técnica cirúrgica com a revascularização da área limitada através de uma barreira plástica (poliéster/polietileno) da mesma dimensão do retalho. Aplicou-se a FBM ou UST durante cinco dias consecutivos. O registro fotográfico e termográfico foi realizado com as câmeras Cyber-Shot DSC-P72 e FlirC2, sendo posteriormente analisados nos softwares ImageJ® e FLIR Tools, respectivamente. Na análise estatística, os dados foram submetidos ao software GraphPad Prism® 8.0 e ao teste Shapiro-Wilk para a análise da normalidade. Realizou-se a análise de variância (ANOVA Two-way) e pós-teste de Tukey, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Os grupos 5 (FBM 830 nm; 10 J/cm²) e 6 (UST 3 MHz; 0,4W/cm²) apresentaram porcentagens de tecido viável significativamente maiores no terceiro e quinto dia do experimento. A temperatura reduziu significativamente no grupo-1 quando comparado aos demais no pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: O UST contínuo a 3 MHz e FBM 830 nm, foram mais eficazes melhorando a viabilidade a do retalho cutâneo randômico dorsal em camundongos.

Are multimorbidity patterns associated with fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults?

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity is defined as the co-occurrence of multiple chronic or acute diseases and medical conditions in the same individual and can be grouped into different patterns based on the type of disease. These patterns are associated with poorer quality of life and premature death. It is believed that these patterns entail functional limitations, which may contribute to the fear of falling; however, this association remains unknown. Identifying this possible association is fundamental for developing individual and collective care approaches aimed at preventing the different patterns of chronic diseases in older adults in order to decrease the fear of falling. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between multimorbidity patterns and fear of falling in older adults. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 308 older adults. The exposure variables were the presence of three multimorbidity patterns (cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, and vascular-metabolic) and pattern association assessed by self-report of two or more similar coexisting chronic diseases. The outcome was fear of falling assessed by the Brazilian version of Falls Efficacy Scale-International (cut-off point ≥ 23 points). Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the association between variables. RESULTS: Older adults with cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, vascular-metabolic patterns and pattern association had 3.49 (95%CI 1.13; 10.78), 2.03 (95%CI 1.13; 3.64), 2.14 (95%CI 1.20; 3.82), and 4.84 (95%CI 2.19; 10.68), respectively, greater chances of presenting fear of falling when compared to older adults without the patterns. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of multimorbidity patterns is associated with higher chances of reporting fear of falling. It is emphasized that the introduction of public health programs aimed at preventing multimorbidity patterns is essential to reduce possible adverse health outcomes, including fear of falling and its negative consequences for older adult health.

Association Between Fear of Falling and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Fear of falling (FoF) and frailty are common problems in older adults. FoF can lead to self-imposed restriction of activities and then further decline in physical capacities that predispose older adults to frailty. Evaluating the association of these two geriatric syndromes may be the first step for understanding their complex relationship and might ultimately lead to establishing therapeutic goals and guiding treatments for older adults with frailty. This systematic review was conducted to provide evidence regarding the association between FoF and frailty. METHODS: All the articles that provided information on the association between FoF and frailty were selected from PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE in search of relevant papers. Articles reporting information on the association between FoF (exposure) and frailty (outcome), with older adults (age ≥60 years) living in the community (ie, living either at home or in places of residence that do not provide nursing care or rehabilitation) were included. Only original articles with observational design (cross-sectional or longitudinal/cohort) were included. The methodological quality of included articles was evaluated independently by the two assessors through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, respectively. RESULTS: The initial searches found 4,342 articles, of which 10 articles were included in this review: 7 cross-sectional and 2 longitudinal studies, and 1 study with cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. The total sample was composed of 6,294 community-dwelling older adults (61.8% women). Among the longitudinal studies, adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.18 (95% CI = 1.02; 1.36) to 9.87 (95% CI = 5.22; 18.68), while the adjusted odds ratios of the cross-sectional studies ranged from 1.04 (95% CI = 1.02; 1.07) to 7.16 (95% CI = 2.34; 21.89). CONCLUSION: FoF increases the risk of frailty in community-dwelling older adults. The knowledge of this association is of utmost importance in clinical practice, since it can help health professionals in the development of rehabilitation, prevention, and health promotion protocols. In addition, these findings can contribute to the development of public health policies and actions aimed at reducing the FoF and consequently the frailty. PROSPERO: CRD42021276775.

Gender differentiated score on the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I Brazil) to assess self-efficacy in falls in community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Since fear of falling is associated with a history of falls and is more prevalent in women, it is important to define cut-off points differentiated between genders on the Falls Efficacy Scale International Brazil (FES-I Brazil) to implement early prevention and/or rehabilitation strategies. AIMS: To determine cut-off points on the FES-I Brazil differentiated between genders which discriminate falls and verify their association with the history of falls. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 306 community-dwelling older adults. Fear of falling score from the FES-I Brazil was the independent variable and the outcome was the history of falls in the last 12 months. The cut-off points differentiated between genders were established according to sensitivity and specificity values evaluated by the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (ROC). The multivariable logistic regression was used to verify the association between fear of falling and history of falls. RESULTS: The cut-off points on the FES-I Brazil to discriminate falls were > 25 points [AUC: 0.67 (95% CI 0.59-0.73)] for women, and > 19 points [AUC: 0.66 (95% CI 0.57-0.74) for men, suggesting that women present a greater fear of falling than men, due to the higher cut-off point found for women. Women and men with fear of falling, respectively, had 2.14 (95% CI 1.11-4.13) and 2.62 (95% CI 1.10-6.85) higher odds of suffering falls compared to those without this condition. CONCLUSIONS: The FES-I can be used to discriminate falls in the elderly and shows that women have a higher cut-off point than men on the scale.

Viability of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap treated with photobiomodulation and therapeutic ultrasound: an experimental model.

Report the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) and therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) on the viability of TRAM in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five mice Swiss were subjected to treatment for 5 days. Group 1, treatment was performed with the agents switched off. Groups 2 to 5 were treated with different wavelengths 660 and 830 nanometers (nm) and groups 6 to 11 with TUS of 1 and 3 MHz frequency. Macrometric analyses were performed using a specific camera and analyzed by the ImageJ® software. Thermographic analyses were performed with the Flir C2 and analyzed using the FLIR Tools software. RESULTS: Group 9 obtained 95% of viable area on the 3rd day and 85% on the 5th day, showing the effectiveness of the TUS in the flap viability. Regarding skin temperature, there was a difference only in the immediate postoperative period in group 1, which had a lower temperature than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: TUS demonstrated greater efficiency in maintaining the viability of TRAM. PBM 830 nm also demonstrated good results in the viability of TRAM.

[Are different typologies of sedentary behavior associated with history of sleep problems in community-dwelling elderly?] / As diferentes tipologias do comportamento sedentário estão associadas ao histórico de problemas no sono em idosos comunitários?

Alterations in sleep are common in older persons, and some risk factors may aggravate this condition. Understanding the association between sedentary behavior and history of sleep problems can assist the elaboration of intervention programs. The study aimed to verify the association between typologies of sedentary behavior and history of sleep problems in community-dwelling older Brazilians. A cross-sectional study was performed with data from 43,554 older persons participating in the Brazilian National Health Survey (2019). Typologies of sedentary behavior were assessed by: (1) time watching television; (2) leisure-time inactivity; and (3) total inactivity (TV + leisure-time inactivity). Sedentary behavior was categorized as < 3, 3-6, and > 6 hours/day. The outcome was history of sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently at night, or sleeping more than usual) assessed by self-report in the last 15 days. Associations were verified with multivariate logistic regression. Older persons that spent more 6 hours/day watching TV had 13% higher odds (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.02; 1.26) of reporting sleep problems. For total sedentary behavior, older persons that were inactive 3-6 hours and more than 6 hours/day showed 13% (OR = 1.13; 95%CI: 1.04; 1.22) and 11% (OR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.01; 1.23) higher odds of sleep problems, respectively. Older persons in the sample that reported more than 6 hours a day watching TV and > 3 hours in total sedentary behavior had higher odds of sleep problems. The findings call attention to the need to reduce sedentary behavior in the elderly.

Alterações no sono são comuns em idosos e alguns fatores de risco podem agravar essa condição. Entender a associação do comportamento sedentário com o histórico de problemas de sono poderá auxiliar na elaboração de programas de intervenção. Verificar a associação entre tipologias do comportamento sedentário e histórico de problemas no sono em idosos comunitários brasileiros. Estudo transversal, com dados de 43.554 idosos participantes da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), de 2019. As tipologias do comportamento sedentário foram avaliadas por: (1) tempo assistindo televisão; (2) atividades de lazer; e (3) tempo despendido total (televisão + lazer). O comportamento sedentário foi categorizado em < 3; 3-6 e > 6 horas/dia. O desfecho foi histórico de problemas de sono (dificuldade para adormecer, acordar frequentemente à noite ou dormir mais do que de costume) avaliados por meio do autorrelato nos últimos 15 dias. As associações foram verificadas pela regressão logística multivariável. Idosos que permaneceram tempo > 6 horas/dia em comportamento sedentário assistindo televisão tiveram 13% (OR = 1,13; IC95%: 1,02; 1,26) maiores probabilidades de relatarem problemas de sono. Referente ao comportamento sedentário total, idosos que permaneceram entre 3-6 horas e mais do que 6 horas/dia apresentaram 13% (OR = 1,13; IC95%: 1,04; 1,22) e 11% (OR = 1,11; IC95%: 1,01; 1,23) maiores probabilidades de problemas de sono, respectivamente. Os idosos amostrados que relataram permanecer por períodos superiores a 6 horas por dia em comportamento sedentário assistindo à televisão e > 3 horas em comportamento sedentário total tiveram maiores chances de terem problemas no sono. Estes achados podem contribuir nas orientações sobre a necessidade de redução no comportamento sedentário em idosos.

Las alteraciones en el sueño son comunes en ancianos y algunos factores de riesgo pueden agravar esa condición. Entender la asociación del comportamiento sedentario con el historial de problemas de sueño podrá ayudar en la elaboración de programas de intervención. El objetivo fue verificar la asociación entre tipologías del comportamiento sedentario y el historial de problemas en el sueño en ancianos de comunidades con pocos recursos brasileños. Estudio transversal, con datos de 43.554 ancianos participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (2019). Las tipologías del comportamiento sedentario se evaluaron por el: (1) Tiempo viendo televisión; (2) Actividades de ocio y (3) Tiempo invertido en total (televisión + ocio). El comportamiento sedentario se categorizó en < 3; 3-6 y > 6 horas/día. El resultado fue el historial de problemas de sueño (dificultad para dormirse, despertarse frecuentemente por la noche o dormir más que de costumbre), evaluados a través del autoinforme en los últimos 15 días. Las asociaciones se verificaron a través de una regresión logística multivariable. Los ancianos que permanecieron tiempo > 6 horas/día en comportamiento sedentario viendo televisión tuvieron un 13% (OR = 1,13; IC95%: 1,02; 1,26) de mayores probabilidades de que informaran problemas de sueño. En lo referente al comportamiento sedentario total, los ancianos que permanecieron entre 3-6 horas y más de 6 horas/día presentaron un 13% (OR = 1,13; IC95%: 1,04; 1,22) y un 11% (OR = 1,11; IC95%: 1,01; 1,23) mayores probabilidades de problemas de sueño, respectivamente. Los ancianos de la muestra que informaron permanecer por períodos superiores a 6 horas al día en comportamiento sedentario viendo televisión y > 3 horas en comportamiento sedentario total tuvieron mayores probabilidades de tener problemas de sueño. Estos resultados pueden contribuir al fortalecimiento en la necesidad de reducción en el comportamiento sedentario en ancianos.

Influence of subcutaneous adipose thickness and dominance on reliability of quadriceps muscle quality in healthy young individuals.

BACKGROUND: Echo intensity (EI) can be useful to check muscle quality and has been widely used to identify tissue damage. In the clinical and sports context, it has been used to identify metabolic disorders and training muscle performance. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether subcutaneous adipose thickness (SAT) influences the inter-session EI reliability of the quadriceps femoris and whether EI is influenced by dominance in young healthy subjects. DESIGN: All procedures were approved by the local Institutional Research Ethics Committee (project number 2.620.204). This is a cross-sectional study where 19 healthy young individuals volunteered. METHOD: The individuals were assessed at two time points by an experienced examiner. Imaging of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) muscles were performed bilaterally by ultrasonography. EI and SAT analysis was performed using ImageJ®software. RESULTS/FINDINGS: Inter-session intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for EImeasured showed moderate reliability for RF (R = 0.578; P = 0.038) and VL (R = 0.735; P = 0.004) and low for VM (R = 0.402; P = 0.142). When corrected by SAT, inter-session (EIcorrected), ICC values showed good reliability for RF (R = 0.826; P < 0.001) and VM (R = 0.765; P = 0.002) and excellent for VL (R = 0.909; P < 0.001). Considering inter-side reliability, Student's paired t-test demonstrated no difference for EImeasured (P > 0.283), EIcorrected (P > 0.127), and SAT (P > 0.356). CONCLUSIONS: SAT influenced the inter-session reliability values of EI in all muscles evaluated. Although they showed similarity, EI values were not influenced by dominance in young healthy subjects.

How Much Time in Sedentary Behavior Should Be Reduced to Decrease Fear of Falling and Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults?

Fear of falling and history of falls are frequent situations in older adults, which can be aggravated by sedentary behavior (SB). The objective was to establish SB cutoff values which discriminate falls and fear of falling in older adults and verify the association between these conditions. This was a cross-sectional study including 308 community-dwelling older adults. The SB was assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The outcomes were history of falling in the last 12 months and fear of falling (higher or equal than 23 points in Falls Efficacy Scale International-Brazil). The cutoff points found were >4.14 (area under curve = 0.60, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] [0.54, 0.65]) and >3.90 hr per day (area under curve = 0.59, 95% CI [0.53, 0.64]) for fear of falling and history of falls, respectively. Older adults with SB had 1.71 (95% CI [1.03, 2.84]) and 1.75 (95% CI [1.06, 2.89]) greater odds of having greater fear of falling and suffering falls, respectively.

As diferentes tipologias do comportamento sedentário estão associadas ao histórico de problemas no sono em idosos comunitários? / Are different typologies of sedentary behavior associated with history of sleep problems in community-dwelling elderly? / ¿Las diferentes tipologías del comportamiento sedentario están asociadas al historial de problemas de sueño en ancianos de comunidades con pocos recursos?

Alterações no sono são comuns em idosos e alguns fatores de risco podem agravar essa condição. Entender a associação do comportamento sedentário com o histórico de problemas de sono poderá auxiliar na elaboração de programas de intervenção. Verificar a associação entre tipologias do comportamento sedentário e histórico de problemas no sono em idosos comunitários brasileiros. Estudo transversal, com dados de 43.554 idosos participantes da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), de 2019. As tipologias do comportamento sedentário foram avaliadas por: (1) tempo assistindo televisão; (2) atividades de lazer; e (3) tempo despendido total (televisão + lazer). O comportamento sedentário foi categorizado em < 3; 3-6 e > 6 horas/dia. O desfecho foi histórico de problemas de sono (dificuldade para adormecer, acordar frequentemente à noite ou dormir mais do que de costume) avaliados por meio do autorrelato nos últimos 15 dias. As associações foram verificadas pela regressão logística multivariável. Idosos que permaneceram tempo > 6 horas/dia em comportamento sedentário assistindo televisão tiveram 13% (OR = 1,13; IC95%: 1,02; 1,26) maiores probabilidades de relatarem problemas de sono. Referente ao comportamento sedentário total, idosos que permaneceram entre 3-6 horas e mais do que 6 horas/dia apresentaram 13% (OR = 1,13; IC95%: 1,04; 1,22) e 11% (OR = 1,11; IC95%: 1,01; 1,23) maiores probabilidades de problemas de sono, respectivamente. Os idosos amostrados que relataram permanecer por períodos superiores a 6 horas por dia em comportamento sedentário assistindo à televisão e > 3 horas em comportamento sedentário total tiveram maiores chances de terem problemas no sono. Estes achados podem contribuir nas orientações sobre a necessidade de redução no comportamento sedentário em idosos.

Alterations in sleep are common in older persons, and some risk factors may aggravate this condition. Understanding the association between sedentary behavior and history of sleep problems can assist the elaboration of intervention programs. The study aimed to verify the association between typologies of sedentary behavior and history of sleep problems in community-dwelling older Brazilians. A cross-sectional study was performed with data from 43,554 older persons participating in the Brazilian National Health Survey (2019). Typologies of sedentary behavior were assessed by: (1) time watching television; (2) leisure-time inactivity; and (3) total inactivity (TV + leisure-time inactivity). Sedentary behavior was categorized as < 3, 3-6, and > 6 hours/day. The outcome was history of sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently at night, or sleeping more than usual) assessed by self-report in the last 15 days. Associations were verified with multivariate logistic regression. Older persons that spent more 6 hours/day watching TV had 13% higher odds (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.02; 1.26) of reporting sleep problems. For total sedentary behavior, older persons that were inactive 3-6 hours and more than 6 hours/day showed 13% (OR = 1.13; 95%CI: 1.04; 1.22) and 11% (OR = 1.11; 95%CI: 1.01; 1.23) higher odds of sleep problems, respectively. Older persons in the sample that reported more than 6 hours a day watching TV and > 3 hours in total sedentary behavior had higher odds of sleep problems. The findings call attention to the need to reduce sedentary behavior in the elderly.

Las alteraciones en el sueño son comunes en ancianos y algunos factores de riesgo pueden agravar esa condición. Entender la asociación del comportamiento sedentario con el historial de problemas de sueño podrá ayudar en la elaboración de programas de intervención. El objetivo fue verificar la asociación entre tipologías del comportamiento sedentario y el historial de problemas en el sueño en ancianos de comunidades con pocos recursos brasileños. Estudio transversal, con datos de 43.554 ancianos participantes en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (2019). Las tipologías del comportamiento sedentario se evaluaron por el: (1) Tiempo viendo televisión; (2) Actividades de ocio y (3) Tiempo invertido en total (televisión + ocio). El comportamiento sedentario se categorizó en < 3; 3-6 y > 6 horas/día. El resultado fue el historial de problemas de sueño (dificultad para dormirse, despertarse frecuentemente por la noche o dormir más que de costumbre), evaluados a través del autoinforme en los últimos 15 días. Las asociaciones se verificaron a través de una regresión logística multivariable. Los ancianos que permanecieron tiempo > 6 horas/día en comportamiento sedentario viendo televisión tuvieron un 13% (OR = 1,13; IC95%: 1,02; 1,26) de mayores probabilidades de que informaran problemas de sueño. En lo referente al comportamiento sedentario total, los ancianos que permanecieron entre 3-6 horas y más de 6 horas/día presentaron un 13% (OR = 1,13; IC95%: 1,04; 1,22) y un 11% (OR = 1,11; IC95%: 1,01; 1,23) mayores probabilidades de problemas de sueño, respectivamente. Los ancianos de la muestra que informaron permanecer por períodos superiores a 6 horas al día en comportamiento sedentario viendo televisión y > 3 horas en comportamiento sedentario total tuvieron mayores probabilidades de tener problemas de sueño. Estos resultados pueden contribuir al fortalecimiento en la necesidad de reducción en el comportamiento sedentario en ancianos.

Effects of photobiomodulation on different application points and different phases of complex regional pain syndrome type I in the experimental model.

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) consists of disorders caused by spontaneous pain or induced by some stimulus. The objective was to verify the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) using 830 nm wavelength light at the affected paw and involved spinal cord segments during the warm or acute phase. METHODS: Fifty-six mice were randomized into seven groups. Group (G) 1 was the placebo group; G2 and G3 were treated with PBM on the paw in the warm and acute phase, respectively; G4 and G5 treated with PBM on involved spinal cord segments in the warm and acute phase, respectively; G6 and G7 treated with PBM on paw and involved spinal cord segments in the warm and acute phase, respectively. Edema degree, thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, skin temperature, and functional quality of gait (Sciatic Static Index [SSI] and Sciatic Functional Index [SFI]) were evaluated. RESULTS: Edema was lower in G3 and G7, and these were the only groups to return to baseline values at the end of treatment. For thermal hyperalgesia only G3 and G5 returned to baseline values. Regarding mechanical hyperalgesia, the groups did not show significant differences. Thermography showed increased temperature in all groups on the seventh day. In SSI and SFI assessment, G3 and G7 showed lower values when compared to G1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PBM irradiation in the acute phase and in the affected paw showed better results in reducing edema, thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, and in improving gait quality, demonstrating efficacy in treatment of CRPS-I symptoms.

Is the self-perception of the built neighborhood associated with fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults?

INTRODUCTION: Characteristics of a built neighborhood may aggravate agravett to fear of falling in older adults and this knowledge are important to contribute to developing strategies aimed at reducing fear of falling and their consequences. OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between self-perception of built neighborhood characteristics and fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 308 community-dwelling older adults. The outcome was fear of falling evaluated through Falls Efficacy Scale International. Older adults were classified with high fear of falling when they obtained values ≥ 23 points and classified as low fear of falling with score < 23 point. The built neighborhood variables were evaluated by the adapted Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to verify associations between the variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of fear of falling was 48.40%. Significant negative associations were observed between residing near a bus stop, outdoor gyms, safe places to walk during the day, and positive associations between garbage accumulation and/or open sewers and high crime rates and fear of falling. CONCLUSION: The association between self-perceived characteristics of built neighborhoods and fear of falling points to the need for improvements in urban infrastructure, especially public spaces, in order to reduce fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults.