| 11. |
- Pohl, Petra, 1965-
(författare)
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Falls in older community-dwelling women and men : risk factors and safety strategies. Fall risk awareness, fear of falling, and preferred exercise properties from a gender perspective.
- 2015
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background Falls are the leading cause for non-fatal injuries in older community-dwelling people. Compared to men, women fall more often, experience more fall-related injuries, and report fear of falling (FoF) more often. Falls may be prevented with specific exercises, but adherence is often low in long-term. One aim of the thesis was to gain a deeper understanding of the risk factors previous falls, FoF, and gender. Another aim was to explore safety strategies in older community-dwelling people in terms of fall risk awareness and actions taken to protect from falls, and to identify motives for exercising and preferred exercise properties. A gender perspective was used throughout the thesis.Methods To determine the impact of the risk factors on future falls and injurious falls, a cross-sectional design was used combined with longitudinal data. Baseline data from 230 community-dwelling people over 75 years were collected with questionnaires and performance-based tests. FoF was measured with the single item question “Are you afraid of falling?”. Monthly fall calendars were collected for one year (monitoring year). Based on status on falls, participants were classified as those with i) no falls (n=119), ii) 1 non-injurious fall (n=51), iii) ≥2 non-injurious falls (n=40), and iv) ≥1 injurious fall (n=20). These data were linked to data from an injury database (IDB) with respect to registered injurious falls for a period of about 5 years (long term follow-up). Andersen-Gill method of Cox regression for multiple events was used to estimate the risk of future injurious fall events. To find relationships between FoF, gender, and falls (defined as two or more falls), a general log-linear analysis was performed. Associations between FoF and the components of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) were explored with a structural equation model. To explore fall risk awareness and safety strategies, and to identify motives and preferred exercise properties, qualitative study design was used. Multistage focus groups were held with 18 community-dwelling people (10 women and 8 men) between 70 and 80 years. Transcriptions were analysed with qualitative content analysis.Results Fourty-eight per cent of the 230 participants fell at least once during the monitoring year, and 23% experienced recurrent falls. Compared to men, women reported FoF more often, but did not experience more recurrent falls, and no more injurious falls. FoF was significantly associated with the ICF components Activity/Participation and Personal Factors in women and men both; but in opposite directions for women and men on Personal Factors. During the long-term follow-up, 91 injurious falls were registered in 70 participants (30%). Those with injurious falls during the monitoring year were at significant risk of experiencing new injurious falls in long-term (HR 2.78; 95% CI 1.40-5.50), compared to those with no falls. Women experienced a higher rate of fractures than did men. Analyses from the multistage focus groups resulted in three categories: Facing various feelings; Recognizing one’s fall risk; and Taking precautions. A comprehensive theme tied them together: Safety precautions through fall risk awareness. Analyses also resulted in six categories identifying preferred exercise properties in the context of falls prevention: Motives to start exercise; Barriers to start exercise; Exercise characteristics; Confirmation; Spirit lifters; and Maintenance tricks. All categories included sub-categories. Both studies revealed greater variations among women and among men than between women and men.Conclusion Community-dwelling people over 75 years who have experienced an injurious fall are at high risk of sustaining new injurious falls the forthcoming five years, and should be offered multifactorial fall risk assessments with targeted interventions to optimize the prevention of future falls. The single item question “Are you afraid of falling?” has no predictive value for future falls, and the answer may be strongly gendered. The questions should therefore be avoided in clinical practice and research in community settings. The participants of the qualitative studies implicity and explicitly described how they had become aware of fall risks in everyday life, and both women and men took precautionary actions. Raised fall risk awareness was achieved by several channels including the media, and by meeting with peers and professionals with expertise in falls prevention. A wide variety of preferred exercise properties in the context of falls prevention were identified among the older community-dwelling people. The variations of the requests were greater among women and among men than between women and men. The results should be taken into consideration when offering exercise-based falls prevention interventions to older people. The results from this thesis indicated that measures can be taken on a broad front in order to reduce the damage from injurious falls in older community-dwelling people. A gender perspective is warranted for in clinical practice and future research. Adopting a gender perspective may broaden the understanding of gender differences and similarities when implementing falls prevention activities.
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| 12. |
- Pohl, Petra, et al.
(författare)
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Gender perspective on fear of falling using the classification of functioning as the model
- 2015
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Ingår i: Disability and Rehabilitation. - : Informa Healthcare. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165. ; 37:3, s. 214-222
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Abstract Purpose: To investigate associations between fear of falling (FOF) and recurrent falls among women and men, and gender differences in FOF with respect to International Classification of Functioning (ICF). Methods: Community-dwelling people (n = 230, 75-93 years, 72% women) were included and followed 1 year regarding falls. Data collection included self-reported demographics, questionnaires, and physical performance-based tests. FOF was assessed with the question "Are you afraid of falling?". Results were discussed with a gender relational approach. Results: At baseline 55% women (n = 92) and 22% men (n = 14) reported FOF. During the follow-up 21% women (n = 35) and 30% men (n = 19) experienced recurrent falls. There was an association between gender and FOF (p = 0.001), but not between FOF and recurrent falls (p = 0.79), or between gender and recurrent falls (p = 0.32). FOF was related to Personal factors and Activity and Participation. The relationship between FOF and Personal factors was in opposite directions for women and men. Conclusions: Results did not support the prevailing paradigm that FOF increases rate of recurrent falls in community-dwelling people, and indicated that the answer to "Are you afraid of falling?" might be highly influenced by gendered patterns.Implications for RehabilitationThe question "Are you afraid of falling?" has no predictive value when screening for the risk of falling in independent community-dwelling women or men over 75 years of age.Gendered patterns might influence the answer to the question "Are you afraid of falling?" Healthcare personnel are recommended to be aware of this when asking older women and men about fear of falling.
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| 13. |
- Pohl, Petra, et al.
(författare)
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Group-based music intervention in Parkinsons disease : findings from a mixed-methods study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Clinical Rehabilitation. - : Sage Publications. - 0269-2155 .- 1477-0873. ; 34:4, s. 533-544
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate a group-based music intervention in patients with Parkinsons disease. Design: Parallel group randomized controlled trial with qualitative triangulation. Setting: Neurorehabilitation in primary care. Subjects: Forty-six patients with Parkinsons disease were randomized into intervention group (n = 26), which received training with the music-based intervention, and control group (n = 20) without training. Interventions: The intervention was delivered twice weekly for 12 weeks. Main measures: Primary outcome was Timed-Up-and-Go subtracting serial 7s (dual-task ability). Secondary outcomes were cognition, balance, concerns about falling, freezing of gait, and quality of life. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline, post-intervention, and three months post-intervention. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with the intervention group and with the delivering physiotherapists. Results: No between-group differences were observed for dual-task ability. Between-group differences were observed for Falls Efficacy Scale (mean difference (MD) = 6.5 points; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.0 to 10.0, P = 0.001) and for Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39 items (MD = 8.3; 95% CI = 2.7 to 13.8, P = 0.005) when compared to the control group post-intervention, but these were not maintained at three months post-intervention. Three themes were derived from the interviews: Expectations versus Results, Perspectives on Treatment Contents, and Key Factors for Success. Conclusion: Patient-reported outcomes and interviews suggest that the group-based music intervention adds value to mood, alertness, and quality of life in patients with Parkinsons disease. The study does not support the efficacy in producing immediate or lasting gains in dual-tasking, cognition, balance, or freezing of gait.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Pohl, Petra, et al.
(författare)
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Older women and men as co-creators in design of a mobile application for fall prevention
- 2013
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is a plethora of fall prevention programs for older community-dwelling people. The evidence for exercise-based programs is strong. There is a problem however with implementation and adherence. Motivational factors and barriers have been identified to some extent. Previous studies have shown that what works best is when exercise programs are tailor made, home based, and when people have access to personal feedback on a regular basis. Mobile applications for Smartphones with exercises have these advantages, and have been available for a long time, but these are most commonly directed to young and middle-aged people. There are no applications for fall prevention developed based on senior’s own wishes. The aim was to investigate how healthy older community-dwelling women and men reason and what exercises they prefer when participating in development and design of a fall prevention program in shape of a mobile application for Smartphones.Method Participatory and appreciative action research design with focus group interviews and workshops. Qualitative data analysis.Results The preliminary results show that when older community-dwelling men and women participate in developing a fall prevention program for Smartphones, they have many ideas, thoughts and experiences that may serve as a motivational factor for following a fall prevention program regularly.ConclusionThe implementation and adherence for evidence based fall preventative exercise programs is insufficient. This study will gain knowledge to design tailor made, home based fall prevention exercise programs among community-dwelling healthy seniors.
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| 16. |
- Pohl, Petra
(författare)
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The Ronnie Gardiner Method : An Innovative Music-Based Intervention for Neurological Rehabilitation - Theoretical Background and Contemporary Research with Focus on Parkinson`s Disease
- 2018
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Ingår i: Neurophysiology and Rehabilitation. - : Edelweiss Publications. - 2641-8991. ; 1:1, s. 32-37
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Ronnie Gardiner Method (RGM) is an innovative, practitioner-led, music-based intervention using sensorimotor and cognitive integration. RGM was originally developed by the Swedish musician Ronnie Gardiner. Since 2010, RGM has been successfully implemented within neurorehabilitation in many countries. The purpose of this article is to outline some of the theoretical assumptions underpinning the potential benefits from this intervention, using Parkinson’s disease as an example. RGM is based on principles of neuroplasticity, motor learning, and postural control, and uses energizing, beat-based music to provide multisensory input (visual, audio, kinetic, and tactile) in order to stimulate experience-dependent neuroplastic processes. It aims at stimulating cognitive and motor function (e.g., memory, concentration, executive function, multitasking, coordination, mobility, balance, and motor skills). In addition, it may aid body awareness, self-esteem, and social skills. RGM has been scientifically evaluated as a means of multimodal sensory stimulation after stroke and as a means of improving mobility and cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease. RGM is a complex multi-task intervention with the potential to be beneficial in different settings and in different neurological conditions. It can be performed either while standing up or sitting down and can be practiced with the advantages gained as a group activity or individually, which makes it very flexible. It is currently being used as rehabilitation activity for people with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and depression. Furthermore, RGM is used in programs targeting healthy aging, ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, and in ordinary school environments.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Pohl, Petra, et al.
(författare)
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The Ronnie Gardiner Rhythm and Music Method – a feasibility study in Parkinson’s disease
- 2013
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Ingår i: Disability and Rehabilitation. - : Informa Healthcare. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165. ; 35:26, s. 2197-2204
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: To assess the feasibility of the novel intervention, Ronnie Gardiner Rhythm and Music (RGRM™) Method compared to a control group for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Method: Eighteen patients, mean age 68, participating in a disability study within a neurological rehabilitation centre, were randomly allocated to intervention group (n = 12) or control group (n = 6). Feasibility was assessed by comparing effects of the intervention on clinical outcome measures (primary outcome: mobility as assessed by two-dimensional motion analysis, secondary outcomes: mobility, cognition, quality of life, adherence, adverse events and eligibility). Results: Univariable analyses showed no significant differences between groups following intervention. However, analyses suggested that patients in the intervention group improved more on mobility (p = 0.006), cognition and quality of life than patients in the control group. There were no adverse events and a high level of adherence to therapy was observed. Conclusions: In this disability study, the use of the RGRM™ Method showed promising results in the intervention group and the adherence level was high. Our results suggest that most assessments chosen are eligible to use in a larger randomized controlled study for patients with PD.Implications for RehabilitationThe RGRM™ Method appeared to be a useful and safe method that showed promising results in both motor and cognitive functions as well as quality of life in patients with moderate PD.The RGRM™ Method can be used by physiotherapists, occupational, speech and music therapists in neurological rehabilitation.Most measurements were feasible except for Timed-Up-and-Go.
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| 19. |
- Pohl, Petra, et al.
(författare)
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Äldre män och kvinnor som med-aktörer i design av tränings-appar för fallprevention
- 2013
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Bakgrund och syfte:Det finns en uppsjö av olika fallpreventiva evidensbaserade träningsprogram för äldre i ordinärt boende. Även om evidensgraden är hög för viss träning finns det svårigheter med att få äldre personer att utföra träningen. Vissa motivationsfaktorer och hindrande faktorer har redan identifierats och forskningen visar att skräddarsydda, hembaserade träningsprogram med möjlighet till regelbunden återkoppling är det som fungerar bäst. Applikationer till mobiltelefoner och surfplattor erbjuder denna möjlighet, och har funnits sedan en längre tid, men dessa vänder sig oftast till yngre och medelålders personer. Det finns ännu ingen applikation som är baserad på de äldres egna önskemål. Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur friska äldre män och kvinnor i ordinärt boende resonerar och vilka övningar de föredrar när de deltar i utveckling och design av ett fallpreventivt träningsprogram i form av en applikation till smarta telefoner och surfplattor. Metoder:18 deltagare > 70 år. Deltagande och uppskattande aktionsforskning samt fokusgruppsintervjuer och workshops. Kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat:De preliminära resultaten visar att när äldre män och kvinnor i ordinärt boende deltar i utvecklingen av ett fallpreventivt träningsprogram för smarta telefoner och surfplattor har de många idéer, tankar och erfarenheter som kan fungera som motiverande faktorer i syfte att utföra regelbunden fallpreventiv träning. Konklusion:Implementeringen och följsamheten för evidensbaserade fallpreventiva träningsprogram är otillräcklig. Denna studie bidrar med kunskaper för att designa skräddarsydda, hembaserade fallpreventiva träningsprogram för friska äldre personer i ordinärt boende.
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| 20. |
- Rydja, Johanna, 1972-
(författare)
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Gait Characteristics, Physical Activity and Subjective Outcome after Shunt Surgery in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
- 2024
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a common but under-diagnosed disease among the elderly. The condition is characterised by gait disturbance, postural instability, cognitive decline and incontinence, caused by accumulated cerebrospinal fluid within the central nerve system. The treatment is a shunt insertion to divert excess fluid. Few studies have described the detailed gait in INPH, there is a lack of research about physical activity, and patient-reported outcomes after shunt surgery are sparsely described. The overall aim of this thesis was to increase the knowledge of the gait pattern, the level of physical activity, and to evaluate the effect of a physical exercise programme in iNPH. Another aim was to evaluate the patient’s self-experienced outcome after surgery. Methods and results, study I In total 127 patients were randomised to either a supervised 12-week high-intensity exercise programme or to standard care after shunt surgery. Evaluation was performed with the iNPH scale and goal attainment after the intervention and after six months. There was low compliance to the exercise programme and no differences between the groups could be detected according to the iNPH scale at any of the follow-ups. Patients with high attendance rate achieved their set goals to a higher extent than the control group at the post intervention follow-up. Methods and results, study II In total 109 patients from the population in study I, were evaluated with an actigraphy recording of physical activity variables for seven days before and three- and six months after shunt surgery. In addition, physical performance was evaluated with the 10-meter walk test, the 6-minute walk test and 30 s chair stand test. The patients walked faster with improved results on the walking tests postoperatively. Improvement in the 30 s chair stand test was interpreted as improved postural control. The physical activity intensity was not affected by surgery. The patients had very low energy expenditure and were to a large extent sedentary, before and after shunt surgery. The exercise intervention had no effect on physical activity or the physical performance tests. Methods and results, study III In total 47 patients were included to a gait analysis with an inertial sensor system. Additionally, the patients were assessed with the Timed Up and Go test and the iNPH scale, pre- and three months postoperatively and in relation with 42 older healthy individuals. The patients walked with shorter strides, decreased velocity, increased time in stance and with decreased joint angles, especially in the ankle joint. The gait pattern im-proved after shunt surgery, but outcome on all variables were still worse compared to the healthy individuals, except for step hight that was normalised. Shunt surgery had no effect on stride length variability. Methods and results, study IV In total 58 patients rated their experienced changes three months after shunt surgery. The subjective outcome was analysed in relation to objective clinical outcomes (the iNPH scale) and questionnaires regarding, sense of coherence, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Clinical outcome and the questionnaires were evaluated before and three months after shunt surgery and in relation to 42 older healthy individuals. The patients reported most frequently some degree of positive changes after surgery. The subjective outcomes in overall experience, gait and continence correlated moderately with the corresponding objective outcomes, but there were not correlations within the cognition and balance areas. Depression and quality of life improved after surgery, but the result was still lower than for healthy individuals. There was no correlation between the patients´ sense of coherence and the subjective outcome. Conclusion Shunt surgery contributes to improved walking patterns, improved physical functions, reduced signs of depression and increased quality of life, but patients with iNPH are still more affected than healthy elderly. The patients report most frequently positive changes, but not total recovery after shunt surgery. Despite improvements within several areas the physical activity level is very low, both before and after the shunt operation. A postoperative high-intensity physical training program had no additional effect, which is explained by the fact that few patients completed the program. Patients with iNPH probably need guidance to additional improvement and to increase physical activity through meaningful activities after shunt surgery. Further research is needed to evaluate interventions that address the specific iNPH impairments.
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