Effect of Breathing Exercise Using Panflutes on the Postoperative Compliance, Pulmonary Infections and Life Satisfaction in Elderly Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of breathing exercises performed using panflutes in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery. METHODS: The study design was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized pre-post test. The study included 24 patients in both the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group completed a daily breathing exercise regimen using panflutes for 30minutes after meals, whereas the control group was provided standard preoperative education, including breathing exercises using incentive spirometers. After the exercise regimen, breathing exercise compliance, pulmonary infections, and life satisfaction were measured in both groups, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN program. RESULTS: The compliance rate of breathing exercises was significantly higher in the experimental group. The experimental group presented no pulmonary infections in the later period, whereas the control group presented higher pulmonary infection rates in the same period. In addition, the life satisfaction score in the experimental group significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The breathing exercise program using panflutes for elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery enhanced their breathing exercise compliance and their daily life satisfaction in addition to reducing their pulmonary infection rates.

The Effect of a Dementia Preventive Intervention based on Motivational Interviewing among the Elderly over 75 Years of Age in Nursing Homes

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the motivational interviewing (MI) dementia preventive intervention on dementia preventive behaviors, depression and cognitive function among elderly over 75 years of age in nursing homes. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. A total of 57 participants were divided into three groups; 18 in the MI dementia preventive intervention (Group A), 20 in the dementia preventive program (Group B) and 19 in the control group. Dementia preventive behaviors, depression, and cognitive function were assessed at pre, post, and 1 month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and repeated measure ANOVA. RESULTS: The results reported that there were significant differences in dementia preventive behaviors and depression among Group A, B, and C. Also, there were significant differences in dementia preventive behaviors and cognitive function during time periods. There was a significant interaction between groups and times in relation to depression. Results suggested that the effects of MI dementia preventive program was persistent after 1 month following the intervention. CONCLUSION: Further research needs to develop dementia preventive programs considering physical and mental traits of the elderly in late years staying at nursing homes.

Experiences of Participation in Dementia Prevention Program for Older Adults in Nursing Homes / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to describe the experiences of dementia prevention program for older adults in nursing homes. METHODS: Four focus group interviews (FGI) after the program were conducted with 35 participants. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed data were analyzed by Colaizzi's phenomenological method. RESULTS: Four themes emerged as a result of analysis. Participants without dementia reported “I don't have dementia yet.” This statement probably reflects ignoring potential dementia. Motivation for participating the dementia prevention program were to reduce boredom, to enjoy exercising and communicating with others, and to follow group activities. Participants reported the positive effects of the program; (a) benefits from the repeating learned activities; (b) improvements of memory and emotional stability. A few participants reported their inability to follow the program due to physical and environmental limits. However, other participants reported their efforts to overcome physical limits and perform the activities regardless their limits. People who performed the activities with physical limits reported that their self-satisfaction was increased. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that participants without dementia were able to actively participate in dementia prevention programs and showed memory, emotional and behavioral improvements. Therefore, these findings can be used for developing customized dementia prevention programs in nursing homes.

Lipolytic Activity and Cytotoxic Effect of Aminophylline in Adipocytes

A concern about drug therapy for obesity has been increased with launching of new anti-obesity drug in Korea. Subcutaneous injection of aminophylline was used for regional lipolysis, but its effectiveness and safety are controversial. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of aminophylline on lipolytic activity and cytotoxic effect in adipocytes. Preadipocytes obtained from human breast fat tissue were cultured in monolayer culture system. Cells were treated with media added 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 mM aminophylline concentrations, respectively. Cytotoxicity was measured by XTT colorimetric assay and cell count. The lipolytic activity was measured by enzymatic autoanalyzed system. At above 15mM of aminophylline concentration, preadipocyte and adipocyte markedly presented cytotoxic effects. In proportion to concentration, lipolytic activity was increased and maximal lipolytic activity without marked cytotoxicity was measured at 10mM of aminophylline concentration.