Non-pharmacological Interventions in Older Adults

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Nursing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 3806

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Gerontology, Federal University of São Carlos, 13565-905 São Carlos, Brazil
Interests: falls; physical and cognitive activity; functional mobility; cognitive impairment and long-term care

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Life expectancy is increasing rapidly, especially in developing countries. An increase in life expectancy implies a physiological decline in organic functions and a greater prevalence of chronic diseases as well as adverse events, such as falls, dementia, depression, mild cognitive impairment, sarcopenia, frailty, and others. In this sense, non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive and behavioral interventions, in addition to physical exercise, are often used due to the limitations found in pharmacological interventions and their adverse reactions. Different non-pharmacological approaches are currently being researched around the world, with some positive results in behavioral, cognitive, and motor outcomes, as well as in preventing and delaying the onset of chronic diseases and syndromes. However, despite the benefits found until now, there is a need for research, especially longitudinal studies, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, that involves older people and their families in different scenarios and conditions. It is necessary to take into account the complexity of the population when planning interventions. It is essential to utilize a broader approach, according to the interests and needs of each person. Still, there is a need to assess how non-pharmacological interventions can be implemented in clinical practice, in public policies, and in the community, especially in developing countries. Papers addressing these topics are invited to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Juliana Hotta Ansai
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cognitive interventions
  • behavioral intervention
  • physical exercise
  • care management
  • multidimensional evaluation
  • interdisciplinary approaches
  • function-based interventions
  • health education strategies
  • active ageing

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1425 KiB  
Article
Effects of 12 Weeks of Combined Exercise Training in Normobaric Hypoxia on Arterial Stiffness, Inflammatory Biomarkers, and Red Blood Cell Hemorheological Function in Obese Older Women
by Wonil Park, Hun-Young Park and Sung-Woo Kim
Healthcare 2024, 12(18), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12181887 - 20 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1238
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The present study examined the effect of 12-week combined exercise training in normobaric hypoxia on arterial stiffness, inflammatory biomarkers, and red blood cell (RBC) hemorheological function in 24 obese older women (mean age: 67.96 ± 0.96 years). Methods: Subjects were randomly divided [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The present study examined the effect of 12-week combined exercise training in normobaric hypoxia on arterial stiffness, inflammatory biomarkers, and red blood cell (RBC) hemorheological function in 24 obese older women (mean age: 67.96 ± 0.96 years). Methods: Subjects were randomly divided into two groups (normoxia (NMX; n = 12) and hypoxia (HPX; n = 12)). Both groups performed aerobic and resistance exercise training programs three times per week for 12 weeks, and the HPX group performed exercise programs in hypoxic environment chambers during the intervention period. Body composition was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis equipment. Arterial stiffness was measured using an automatic waveform analyzer. Biomarkers of inflammation and oxygen transport (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL-6), erythropoietin (EPO), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)), and RBC hemorheological parameters (RBC deformability and aggregation) were analyzed. Results: All variables showed significantly more beneficial changes in the HPX group than in the NMX group during the intervention. The combined exercise training in normobaric hypoxia significantly reduced blood pressure (systolic blood pressure: p < 0.001, diastolic blood pressure: p < 0.001, mean arterial pressure: p < 0.001, pulse pressure: p < 0.05) and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (p < 0.001). IL-6 was significantly lower in the HPX group than in the NMX group post-test (p < 0.001). Also, EPO (p < 0.01) and VEGF (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the HPX group than in the NMX group post-test. Both groups showed significantly improved RBC deformability (RBC EI_3Pa) (p < 0.001) and aggregation (RBC AI_3Pa) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study suggests that combined exercise training in normobaric hypoxia can improve inflammatory biomarkers and RBC hemorheological parameters in obese older women and may help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions in Older Adults)
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11 pages, 457 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Multifactorial Program with Case Management for Falls Prevention on Functional Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older People: A Randomized Clinical Study
by Areta Dames Cachapuz Novaes, Juliana Hotta Ansai, Silsam Napolitano Alberto, Maria Joana Duarte Caetano, Paulo Giusti Rossi, Mariana Luiz de Melo and Karina Gramani-Say
Healthcare 2024, 12(15), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12151541 - 3 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1738
Abstract
Falls are among the top 10 causes of years lived with disability in people aged 75 and over. Preventive programs like case management (CM) are crucial. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a multifactorial fall prevention program based on CM on physical performance, [...] Read more.
Falls are among the top 10 causes of years lived with disability in people aged 75 and over. Preventive programs like case management (CM) are crucial. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a multifactorial fall prevention program based on CM on physical performance, the presence of pain, and the risk of falls and fractures in older people who have suffered falls. Methods: This randomized, single-blind clinical trial with parallel groups, Intervention Group (IG) and Control Group (CG), was composed of 55 older people with a history of falling, living in the community. All participants underwent an initial assessment via video call (containing anamnesis, timed up-and-go test, falls risk score, short physical performance battery, and clinical frax). The IG underwent CM, the physical exercise protocol, and the cognitive stimulation protocol. The CG was monitored through telephone calls and received general health and fall guidance. Results: No significant results were found in the physical capacity, the presence of pain, the risk of falls, or the fractures between the Intervention and Control Groups and between assessments. Conclusion: This program was not effective in improving functional performance, but it was important for characterizing pain and the probability of fracture in the next 10 years in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-pharmacological Interventions in Older Adults)
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