Gerontology最新文献

Introduction: The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the effects of virtual reality training (VRT) on the muscle strength of the elderly.

Methods: Primary sources were obtained from 4 databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The search period covered years from inception to February 1th, 2025. Standardized mean differences (SMDs), weighted mean differences, and 95% CIs were calculated using random or fixed-effect models for outcomes.

Results: Following the screening process, 38 studies involving a total of 1280 participants were included in the systematic review. The results of the meta-analysis showed that VRT increased upper-body muscle strength (1.89 [95% CI: 0.65-3.13], p=0.003), lower-body muscle strength (0.68 [95% CI: 0.46-0.91], p=0.001) and handgrip (0.45 [95% CI: 0.26-0.63], p=0.001). Additionally, the results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference between VRT and traditional training (TT) on lower-body muscle strength (0.04 [95% CI: -0.26-0.36), p=0.75) and handgrip (0.06 [95% CI: -0.11-0.24], p=0.48).

Conclusion: The results meta-analysis demonstrated that VRT has a positive effect on the muscle strength of all three parts of the lower limb, upper limb, and HG. Also, comparing VRT with TT, no significant difference was observed between these two types of training.

Introduction: The use of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration policies by academic journals reduces bias and improves transparency in clinical research. It is unknown whether geriatric and gerontology journals mention, recommend, or require their use for the studies they may potentially publish. The purpose of this study is to assess the submission guidelines of the top geriatric and gerontology journals for their editorial recommendation or requirement of predetermined reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration.

Methods: Using the 2021 Scopus CiteScore tool, we identified the top 100 journals in the "Geriatrics and Gerontology" subcategory. We reviewed each journal's "Instructions to Authors" for references to reporting guidelines commonly used for various study designs, categorizing them as "Not Mentioned," "Recommended," "Does Not Require," or "Required." Additionally, we assessed how each journal addressed clinical trial registration using the same classification system.

Results: Among the 100 journals reviewed, none referenced the QUOROM statement. In contrast, the CONSORT statement was the most frequently mentioned, with 44 journals (44%) recommending or requiring its use. PRISMA guidelines were omitted by 57 journals (57%), while study registration was recommended or required by 92 journals (92%).

Conclusion: The recommendation or requirement of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration in the top 100 geriatric and gerontology journals is inconsistent. Journal editors should strongly recommend that authors follow reporting guidelines to reduce potential bias and improve transparency in the articles they publish.

Introduction: Older adults can reduce the risk of falls after participation in a Perturbation-Based Balance Training (PBBT). We aimed to compare two perturbation motor learning paradigms: random vs block practice.

Methods: Twenty community-dwelling older adults were recruited and randomly allocated to a random PBBT group (n=8), participants were exposed to unannounced perturbations in multiple directions during each training session, or a block PBBT group (n=12) participants experienced perturbations from a single during every training session during treadmill walking. Both groups received eight training sessions over a four-weeks period that included a concurrent cognitive task during training. Primary outcome measures were parameters of reactive stepping i.e., step-thresholds in walking and kinematics of reactive stepping during walking; and secondary outcome measures were proactive balance, i.e. voluntary step test and cognitive performance. All outcomes were measured before and after PBBT.

Results: Both PBBT groups improved their ability to cope with higher perturbations post training and a reduction in Center of Mass path displacement during the recovery after the perturbation in walking. No improvement was found in voluntary stepping post training, both groups, however, showed improvement in cognitive performance post-training.

Discussion: Results show some improvements in reactive stepping performance but not in proactive voluntary stepping in both random and block PBBT methods, with no superiority of one training method over the other. Some improvements in cognitive performance in both groups suggest a transfer effect post training, regardless of training method. Given the small sample size, results are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution.

Introduction: Residing at moderate altitudes has been associated with various health benefits also affecting mortality risk. This study investigates life expectancy and disease-specific mortality rates among populations in the Italian Alps and in northern Italian lowland regions. Additionally, cardiometabolic health and serum metabolite concentrations of residents in an Alpine province across three distinct elevation zones (<1,000 m, 1,000-1,500 m, and >1,500 m above sea level) are studied.

Methods: Data on life expectancy and mortality rate (per ten thousand) were retrieved from the ISTAT database for 6 provinces located in the Italian Alps and 6 provinces at sea level near the Alps. Using cross-sectional data from a sub-sample of the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study (n=6,292), we fitted multivariable adjusted logistic regression models to investigate associations between altitude and cardiometabolic health, determined by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale. Moreover, associations between altitude and 175 serum metabolites were evaluated through linear regression models (n=1,447).

Results: Population size and sex distribution were similar between provinces (p>0.485). Life expectancy at 65 years differed between areas (20.8±0.4 vs 20.1±0.3, for Alps vs sea-level, respectively, p=0.026). Mortality rate for diseases of the circulatory system was lower in the Alps than at sea-level (35.3±5.7 vs. 44.5±6.8, respectively, p=0.026). No statistically significant differences were found for mortality (Alps vs. sea-level) from all causes (108.1±15.7 vs. 126.1±15.5, p=0.065), cerebrovascular diseases (8.4±2.5 vs. 12.6±3.1, p=0.065), endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (3.6±1.0 vs. 5.0±1.0, p=0.065), neoplasms (31.1±4.7 vs. 34.3±2.4 p=0.394) and diseases of the respiratory system (8.3±1.7 vs. 8.8±1.7, p=0.589). In the CHRIS study sample, living at moderate vs. low altitude level was associated with lower odds of mild to severe conditions in the hypertension (OR:0.77; 95%CI: 0.62-0.96) and endocrine-metabolic domain (OR:0.77, 95%CI: 0.61-0.97). No differences in blood serum metabolic profiles were observed between people living at different altitude levels.

Conclusions: Living in the Italian Alps seems to have a positive effect on life expectancy and mortality from certain diseases compared to living at sea level in northern Italy. Furthermore, living at moderate altitude conferred some cardiometabolic health benefits in the CHRIS study population, even after corrections for confounding factors. The metabolite profile in a sub-sample did, however, not reveal any significant differences between altitude levels.

Introduction: A loss of autonomy and independence are clearly identified for the majority of aging people, with a significant impact at the individual and society levels. Permanent residency at moderate altitude appears to be associated with beneficial health effects. This study aimed at determining changes in dependency and autonomy in elderlies depending on their altitude of residence in a French Alps area.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed longitudinal data from 9 863 elderlies initially residing at home, at <500m, 500-900m or >900m above sea level, and presenting with a mild reduction in autonomy and independence. Over a 5-year period, changes in GIR score (an index of autonomy and independence ranging from 6 to 1, the lower the score the more severe the loss of autonomy and independence) annually collected in elderlies by the local authority, and potential transfer to an institution, were analyzed.

Results: After 5 years of follow-up, elderlies living at higher altitude showed a significantly larger GIR score reduction (p = 0.04). The time required to lose one GIR level tended to be shorter in elderlies living at moderate altitude. Elderlies residing at moderate altitude were institutionalized significantly later that those living at lower altitude (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: These results do not support a positive effect of residing at moderate altitude on elderly autonomy and independence, the latter being likely influenced by a combination of environmental, behavioral and social factors.

Introduction: Mind wandering is a pervasive experience in which attention is focused on self-generated thoughts rather than an ongoing task. Prior research found that mind wandering decreases with age, but the reasons are unclear. The present study investigated the influence of mood induction on this phenomenon.

Methods: We compared older and younger adults' mind wandering tendencies during a choice reaction time (CRT) task, after exposing them to one of three mood induction conditions (positive, negative, neutral). We measured participants' reaction times and accuracy during the CRT, as well as depression levels.

Results: We found that older adults reported less mind wandering, and younger adults reported specifically more future-oriented mind wandering. Additionally, while both positive and negative mood inductions significantly shifted all participants' moods, we did not replicate a prior study of younger adults that found negative mood induction increased mind wandering. Mood induction also did not alter reaction times or accuracy on the CRT.

Conclusion: These findings show an age-related reduction in mind wandering, but indicate that the causes of that reduction need further investigation. The results also suggest that prior mood induction studies warrant further careful replication attempts, and that the role of emotion in age differences in mind wandering needs further emphasis.

Background: Osteoporosis is a frequent age-related skeletal disorder, wielding an enormous influence on the quality of life of many women, but also men. Osteoporosis results from a shifted ratio between the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts resulting in an increased degradation of bone. This leads to a systemic impairment of bone mass and microarchitecture. Currently only a small number of patients with osteoporosis is treated adequately, making the disease an enormous economic burden. This implies the urgent need of developing new treatment strategies and application mechanisms. Therefore, animal models are of great importance for the investigation and treatment of bone diseases.

Summary: In this narrative review we focus on animal models specially used for age-related osteoporosis including mice, fish and large animal models.

Key message: With this manuscript we want to contribute to the identification of novel treatment strategies for the treatment of age-related osteoporosis.

Introduction: Presence of cardiovascular disease is linked to the prevalence and incidence of Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome (MCR), a pre-dementia syndrome characterized by cognitive complaints and slow gait. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) may offer a cost-effective, non-invasive, and reliable method for detecting cardiovascular abnormalities in individuals with MCR. This approach can not only diagnose cardiovascular disease but also facilitate timely interventions to prevent further cognitive decline in MCR cases.

Methods: We examined the association of ECG abnormalities with prevalent MCR in 451 older adults with ECGs participating in the Kerala Einstein Study (KES), based in Indian state of Kerala. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex were used to examine associations, and reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: ECG abnormalities were present in 191 (42.4%) participants. Of the 43 participants diagnosed with MCR, 23 (53.5%) had ECG abnormalities. Abnormal Q waves (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.7-14.9) and heart block (OR 6.0, 95% CI 2.1-17.4) were more common in individuals with MCR compared to controls. There were no statistically significant group differences in the prevalence of other ECG abnormalities.

Conclusion: ECG abnormalities are common in MCR patients, and can be considered for cardiovascular disease risk-stratification in MCR cases.

Introduction: The impact of aging on proprioceptive senses remains an open question. As the senses of position and force may rely on different neural substrates, we investigated the effect of aging on both senses to provide original and more comprehensive data on age-related changes in proprioception.

Methods: The senses of position and force were assessed in several conditions using position- and force-reproduction tasks in young (20-40 years) and older (60-90 years) adults in the wrist (experiment 1, n = 41, 20 older adults) and ankle joints (experiment 2, n = 46, 24 older adults).

Results: In both experiments, older adults exhibited larger force-reproduction errors than young adults at low (5% maximal force, p < 0.001) but not moderate forces (20% maximal force, p > 0.056). No age-related decline was observed for position-reproduction errors (p > 0.30), regardless of movement amplitude. Rare weak-to-moderate correlations were observed between position- and force-reproduction errors (r ≤ 0.53, p ≥ 0.009).

Conclusion: In wrist and ankle joints, the age-related decline in proprioception is limited to the sense of force, especially for low forces. This nonuniform decline in proprioception across proprioceptive senses and testing conditions could reflect a decline in the central processing of proprioceptive information.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the serum albumin-to-serum creatinine ratio (sACR) and readmission in elderly heart failure patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the PhysioNet Restricted Health Data database. The exposure variable was sACR and the outcome variable readmission. Multivariate logistic regression and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the independent association between sACR and readmission. Smooth curve fits were applied to examine the nonlinear relationship. We employed multiple imputation and E-value sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our results.

Results: Our study included 1,725 participants, of whom 40.6% were male, 59.2% were aged 60-79 years, and 40.8% were aged 80 years and older. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that for each unit increase in sACR, the 28-day readmission rate decreased by 48% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29-0.95, p = 0.003). The 28-day readmission rate was significantly higher in the low sACR group (sACR <0.32) than in the high sACR group (sACR >0.51) (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.3-0.76, p = 0.002). Similar results were observed for 3-month and 9-month readmission. Subgroup analysis showed no significant interactions. A nonlinear relationship was observed between the sACR and readmission. Sensitivity analyses have confirmed the robustness of our results.

Conclusion: There is a negative association between sACR and readmission in Chinese heart failure patients. Our study may offer novel insights into the management of heart failure readmissions.