| 1. |
- Månsson, Linda, 1973-
(författare)
-
Digital fall prevention for older adults : Feasibility of a self-managed exercise application and development of a smartphone self-test for balance and leg strength
- 2021
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- As the numbers of older adults grow, fall prevention is vital to reduce health care needs due to falls and to increase quality of life. Balance and strength exercises have been found to be effective in fall prevention, however, long-term adherence is often poor. The growth of digital technology in society has generated opportunities for fall prevention with eHealth. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate the feasibility and use of a new digital fall prevention exercise programme, and to develop and investigate a smartphone self-test application for balance and leg strength. Three different studies included community-dwelling older adults ≥ 70 years, who were able to rise from a chair and stand without support. A feasibility study evaluated a new digital exercise programme (DP) compared to a paper booklet exercise programme (PB) for self-managed fall prevention in a four-month controlled participant preference trial (n = 67) (Paper I & II). Self-reported data on adherence, falls efficacy, and functional ability were collected and analysed, along with performance-based measures of gait speed, balance, and chair stand test. In Paper II the feasibility was explored of using the self-reported scales and performance-based outcome measures. A self-test application was also developed (Paper III) in co-creation with 10 participants, who met during five sessions to design the application’s instructions and user interface. The participants’ preference for and their contribution to the application design was analysed with qualitative content analysis with a deductive-inductive approach. A concurrent validity study (n = 31) (Paper IV) assessed the correlations between variables from the self-test prototype and outcome measures from clinical instruments. Results from the feasibility study show that 43% chose the DP and 57% PB, and the attrition rate was 17% and 37% respectively. Both groups had similar adherence, but for the subgroup that exercised most, participants in the DP group reported significantly more exercise time (Paper I). Participants in both groups reported a boost in balance after the intervention, and in the DP group also improved leg strength. Significantly more participants continued to use the DP at 12 months. The self-managed exercise intervention (Paper II) resulted in improvements in functional leg strength, which positively correlated with exercise time, but no other performance-based outcomes showed any significant improvements. Performance-based measurements of balance as well as the self- reported balance confidence and fear of falling revealed ceiling effects. Pre-assessments of self-reported outcomes and performance-based measures showed significant but low correlations, no such correlations were seen in change scores. The deductive-inductive analysis of the co-creation process resulted in 17 subcategories within the seven facets of the Optimized Honeycomb model for iii user experience (Paper III). The main results were that participants desired clear and appropriate information to understand why things were done in a certain way, and their contributions enhanced the user experience of the self-test. The concurrent validity testing of the self-test prototype (IV) showed low to moderate correlations for the strength test but limited correlations for the balance test. In conclusion the DP group showed comparable adherence to the programme as the PB group, as well as to previous studies, indicating it was feasible to use the new DP. DP participants also reported better exercise maintenance after 12 months. Positive self-reported effects were expressed in addition to leg strength improvement. Outcome measures for balance and falls efficacy revealed ceiling effects, consequently, these instruments might not be suitable for assessments in all community-dwelling older adults. In particular, for balance related outcomes there is a need for new more sensitive measurements. The co-creation of the smartphone self-test was feasible and valuable for user experience, but further validity and reliability testing are needed before it can serve as an independent assessment tool.
|
|
| 2. |
- Månsson, Linda, et al.
(författare)
-
Evaluation of Concurrent Validity between a Smartphone Self-Test Application and Clinical Tests for Balance and Leg Strength
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Sensors. - : MDPI. - 1424-8220. ; 21:5
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The evolving use of sensors to objectively assess movements is a potentially valuable addition to clinical assessments. We have developed a new self-test application prototype, MyBalance, in the context of fall prevention aimed for use by older adults in order to independently assess balance and functional leg strength. The objective of this study was to investigate the new self-test application for concurrent validity between clinical instruments and variables collected with a smartphone. The prototype has two test procedures: static standing balance test in two positions, and leg strength test performed as a sit-to-stand test. Thirty-one older adults were assessed for balance and functional leg strength, in an outpatient physiotherapy setting, using seven different clinical assessments and three sensor-tests. The results show that clinical instruments and sensor measurements correlate to a higher degree for the smartphone leg strength test. For balance tests, only a few moderate correlations were seen in the Feet Together position and no significant correlations for the Semi Tandem Stance. This study served as a first step to develop a smartphone self-test application for older adults to assess functional balance at home. Further research is needed to test validity, reliability, and user-experience of this new self-test application.
|
|
| 3. |
- Pettersson, Beatrice, 1987-
(författare)
-
Fall prevention exercise for older adults : self-management with support of digital technology
- 2021
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Falls are a major public health issue, which can cause physical and psychological suffering for the individual as well as large costs for the society. To increase access and adherence to evidence-based fall prevention exercise, utilisation of older adults’ own capabilities and digital health offers promising solutions. The aim of this thesis was to explore a digital programme as support for self-management of fall preventive exercises in community-dwelling older adults with a focus on participant experiences, behaviour change, and intervention reach.Methods: This thesis comprises four papers, of which Papers I and II report from a feasibility study comparing two self-managed fall prevention exercise programmes, a paper booklet and the digital Safe Step programme. Papers III and IV describes a randomised controlled trial, which evaluates the effectiveness of the Safe Step programme in combination with educational videos, to reduce falls in comparison with educational videos alone. In Paper I, individual interviews were analysed with inductive qualitative content analysis to explore older adults’ experiences of self-managing their fall prevention exercise. In Paper II, a deductive and inductive approach was utilised for the analysis of comments in questionnaires, individual, and focus group interviews to explore experiences of self-determination when using the Safe Step programme. The classification system of motivational and behaviour change strategies based on Self-determination theory was utilised as a categorisation matrix. An additional analysis of behavioural regulation for exercise according to the Self-determination theory was performed in this thesis. Paper III is a protocol for a randomised controlled trial, and Paper IV describes the recruitment strategies, and reach of this trial through comparison with another representative sample of adults 70 years or older by descriptive statistics.Results: Results from Papers I and II show that the older adults appreciated the autonomy of a self-managed exercise programme. They expressed a capability to independently select exercises and manage their progression with support from the programme. However, some wanted the support of others in their training. The behaviour change support in the Safe Step programme was voiced as motivating and supportive, and the diversity of behaviour change strategies was emphasized as important to suit many older adults’ preferences. In Paper II, the behaviour change support were found supportive for the basic human psychological needs according to the Self-determination theory, although, support for autonomy and competence were more clearly stated than for relatedness. An additional category was formed and proposed as an amendment to the classification system used as an analytical matrix. In the thesis, expressions of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for doing the exercise from participants in Paper I were triangulated with results from the Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2. The results confirmed the trend found in the qualitative analysis of more intrinsically motivated expressions in the group using the Safe Step programme. A study protocol was written that described the design of the Safe Step randomised controlled trial, including the aims, methodology and overall organisation of the research (Paper III). In Paper IV, the most successful recruitment strategy to the randomised controlled trial was identified as advertisement in social media. The recruited participants were predominantly women, highly educated, and frequently used applications or internet on mobile devices.Conclusion: Finding of this thesis support implementation of fall prevention strategies through increased utilisation of older adults' self-management capabilities. Older adults’ experiences of exercising with a self-managed digital exercise program can be understood as managing pieces of a personal puzzle and was shaped more by the sum of the features and behaviour change support in the programme than by parts of the programme. The Safe step programme seems to provide support for more self-determined exercise motivation, than a paper booklet, which can support maintenance of the new exercise routines. The older adults’ experiences, as well as the characteristics of the participants reached, highlight the necessity for a variety of fall prevention strategies that reflect the diversified needs and preferences of older adults.
|
|
| 4. |
- An, Qingfan, 1997-, et al.
(författare)
-
A scoping review of co-creation practice in the development of non-pharmacological interventions for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : a health CASCADE study
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Respiratory Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 0954-6111 .- 1532-3064. ; 211
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Incorporating co-creation processes may improve the quality of outcome interventions. However, there is a lack of synthesis of co-creation practices in the development of Non-Pharmacological Interventions (NPIs) for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), that could inform future co-creation practice and research for rigorously improving the quality of care.Objective: This scoping review aimed to examine the co-creation practice used when developing NPIs for people with COPD.Methods: This review followed Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework and was reported according to the PRISMA-ScR framework. The search included PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science Core Collection. Studies reporting on the process and/or analysis of applying co-creation practice in developing NPIs for people with COPD were included.Results: 13 articles complied with the inclusion criteria. Limited creative methods were reported in the studies. Facilitators described in the co-creation practices included administrative preparations, diversity of stakeholders, cultural considerations, employment of creative methods, creation of an appreciative environment, and digital assistance. Challenges around the physical limitations of patients, the absence of key stakeholder opinions, a prolonged process, recruitment, and digital illiteracy of co-creators were listed. Most of the studies did not report including implementation considerations as a discussion point in their co-creation workshops.Conclusion: Evidence-based co-creation in COPD care is critical for guiding future practice and improving the quality of care delivered by NPIs. This review provides evidence for improving systematic and reproducible co-creation. Future research should focus on systematically planning, conducting, evaluating, and reporting co-creation practices in COPD care.
|
|
| 5. |
- An, Qingfan, 1997-, et al.
(författare)
-
A scoping review of co-creation practice in the development of non-pharmacological interventions for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- 2023
-
Ingår i: European Respiratory Journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 62:Suppl. 67
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Incorporating co-creation process in the development of interventions may improve the outcome. However, there is a lack of synthesis of co-creation practices in the development of Non-Pharmacological Interventions (NPIs) for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).Objective: This scoping review aimed to examine the co-creation practice used when developing NPIs for people with COPD.Methods: The methodology proposed by Arksey and O’Malley for scoping reviews was followed, and it was reported according to the PRISMA-ScR framework. The search included PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Studies reporting on the process and/or analysis of applying co-creation practice in developing NPIs for people with COPD were included.Results: 13 articles complied with the inclusion criteria. The composition of co-creators was diverse and reported in most of the included studies. Facilitating factors described in the co-creation practices included administrative preparations, diversity of stakeholders, cultural considerations, employment of creative methods, creation of an appreciative environment, and digital assistance. Few creative methods were mentioned or explained in the studies. Challenges around the physical limitations of patients, the absence of key stakeholder opinions, a prolonged process, recruitment, and digital illiteracy of co-creators were listed. Most of the studies did not report implementation considerations as a discussion point in their co-creation workshops.Conclusion: This review provides suggestions for evidence-based co-creation in COPD care which may improve the quality of care delivered by NPIs.
|
|
| 6. |
- Andersdotter Sandström, Anna, et al.
(författare)
-
Patients with stress-induced exhaustion disorder and their experiences of physical activity prescription in a group context
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Global Health Action. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1654-9716 .- 1654-9880. ; 16:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Physical activity is a useful means to improve symptoms and memory performance to some extent in individuals with stress-induced exhaustion disorder. Individuals in this group commonly do not need to reach the recommended levels of physical activity. Developing methods to support physical activity as a lasting behaviour is important.Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the processes involved when using physical activity prescription as part of rehabilitation in a group context for individuals with stress-induced exhaustion disorder.Method: A total of 27 individuals with stress-induced exhaustion disorder participated in six focus groups. The informants underwent a multimodal intervention including prescription of physical activity. The physical activity prescription had a cognitive behaviour approach and included information about physical activity, home assignments and goal setting. The data was analysed with grounded theory method using constant comparison.Results: The analysis of the data was developed into the core category ‘trying to integrate physical activity into daily life in a sustainable way’, and three categories: ‘acceptance of being good enough’, ‘learning physical activity by doing’ and ‘advocation for physical activity in rehabilitation’. The informants identified that during the physical activity prescription sessions they learned what physical activity was, what was ‘good enough’ in terms of dose and intensity of physical activity, and how to listen to the body’s signals. These insights, in combination with performing physical activity during home assignments and reflecting with peers, helped them incorporate physical activity in a new and sustainable way. A need for more customised physical activity with the ability to adjust to individual circumstances was requested.Conclusion: Prescription of physical activity in a group context may be a useful method of managing and adjusting physical activity in a sustainable way for individuals with stress-induced exhaustion disorder. However, identifying people who need more tailored support is important.
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
- Bajraktari, Saranda, et al.
(författare)
-
Health-promoting and preventive interventions for community-dwelling older people published from inception to 2019 : a scoping review to guide decision making in a Swedish municipality context
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Archives of Public Health. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 0778-7367 .- 2049-3258. ; 78:1
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Despite the promising evidence of health-promoting and preventive interventions for maintaining health among older people, not all interventions can be implemented due to limited resources. Due to the variation of content in the interventions and the breadth of outcomes used to evaluate effects in such interventions, comparisons are difficult and the choice of which interventions to implement is challenging. Therefore, more information, beyond effects, is needed to guide decision-makers. The aim of this review was to investigate, to what degree factors important for decision-making have been reported in the existing health-promoting and preventive interventions literature for community-dwelling older people in the Nordic countries.Methods: This review was guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews), the methodological steps for scoping reviews described in the Arksey and O ' Malley's framework, and the Medical Research Council's (MRC) guidance on complex interventions. Eligible studies for inclusion were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) concerning health promotion or primary prevention for community-dwelling older people implemented in the Nordic countries. Additionally, all included RCTs were searched for related papers that were reporting on additional factors. Eligible studies were searched in seven databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Academic Search Elite, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, and SPORTDiscus.Results: Eighty-two studies met the inclusion criteria (twenty-seven unique studies and fifty-five related studies). Twelve studies focused on fall prevention, eleven had a health-promoting approach, and four studies focused on preventing disability. All interventions, besides one, reported positive effects on at least one health outcome. Three studies reported data on cost-effectiveness, three on experiences of participants and two conducted feasibility studies. Only one intervention, reported information on all seven factors.Conclusions: All identified studies on health-promoting and preventive interventions for older people evaluated in the Nordic countries report positive effects although the magnitude of effects and number of follow-ups differed substantially. Overall, there was a general lack of studies on feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and experiences of participants, thus, limiting the basis for decision making. Considering all reported factors, promising candidates to be recommended for implementation in a Nordic municipality context are 'Senior meetings', 'preventive home visits' and 'exercise interventions' on its own or combined with other components.
|
|
| 9. |
- Bajraktari, Saranda, 1989-
(författare)
-
Health promotion and fall prevention for older people : impact, relevance and economic justification for decision making in a municipality context
- 2023
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: The proportion of older people is increasing and calls for a shift towards proactive approaches to support healthy ageing. The evidence base on health-promoting and preventive interventions (HPP) is promising in terms of maintaining health in older people, but for such interventions to have an impact on population health, translation of evidence to practice is crucial. To facilitate this process, factors relevant for decision makers are important to consider. One specific public health challenge is fall-related injuries in older people which cause the highest number of injury-related deaths, have many consequences for the individual (physical and psychological) as well as wide-ranging societal costs. Translation of evidence to practice faces challenges with regards to reach, limiting the public health impact of such interventions. Digital interventions have the potential to increase reach and thereby contribute as an innovative proactive approach. The aim with this thesis was twofold. First, to review the scientific literature in the field of health promotion and prevention conducted in Nordic Countries and targeting community-dwelling older people. Secondly, to evaluate reach, self-reported health outcomes and cost-effectiveness of the Safe Step digital fall preventive exercise intervention in an observational study in the municipality of Östersund-Sweden.Methods: In paper I, a scoping review design was applied to review and summarise a broad field of research focusing on seven factors important for decision-makers such as: context, population, content, feasibility aspects, experiences of participants, intervention effects, and cost-effectiveness. In Paper II, data related to reach including recruitment rate, and participant characteristics (based on self-reported health outcomes and socioeconomic status) were collected. The sample was compared with a representative sample of older people for the purpose of exploring representativeness. In paper III, self-reported health outcomes in relation to balance, leg strength, fear of falling and health-related quality of life were evaluated over the course of the one-year intervention and in relation to exercise time, reported in quarterly questionnaires. In paper IV, the cost effectiveness of the Safe Step intervention was modelled in a Markov model with five states over 12 years to evaluate the potential cost-effectiveness of the intervention in community-dwelling older people at risk of falling.Results: Paper I showed that all included studies, except one, reported a positive effect in at least one health outcome measured. Most studies did not report on cost-effectiveness, feasibility, or experiences of participants. Based on the summarised evidence, senior meetings, preventive home visits and various forms of fall preventive exercise interventions emerged as most recommendable for implementation. Results from paper II showed that the majority of participants had a better health status, were women, and were more commonly using technology in comparison to a sample population. Paper III showed that participants in the intervention self-reported positive changes in balance and leg strength at different follow-ups. Balance and leg strength indicated a small but positive association with self-reported exercise activity. Paper IV showed the potential of Safe Step being a cost-saving intervention with better health outcomes and lower costs compared to no intervention alternative. Assuming a lower estimated intervention effect and higher recruitment costs still indicated that Safe Step was cost effective.Conclusion: This thesis provides evidence to support proactive approaches in healthy ageing and recommends increased efforts in research regarding translation of such interventions to practice as to maximize impact on a population level. The Safe Step intervention shows promise in being used independently in community-dwelling older people with good overall health and familiarity with internet and digital technologies. The majority reached were women with higher education, which infers a need for other non-digital interventions or additional support to increase reach in the general population of older people at risk for falling. Preliminary effectiveness results imply that Safe Step can lead to self-rated changes in known fall-risk factors although participants reported exercise time was lower than the recommended levels. Safe Step indicates also to be a cost-effective intervention even with conservative estimates of intervention effects and higher costs.
|
|
| 10. |
- Bajraktari, Saranda, et al.
(författare)
-
Reaching older people with a digital fall prevention intervention in a Swedish municipality context : an observational study
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Frontiers In Public Health. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2296-2565. ; 10
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: There is robust evidence that falls in old age can be prevented by exercise programs that include balance training, functional exercises, and strength training. For the interventions to have a population health impact, outreach to the population of focus with suitable interventions is needed. While digital interventions are promising there is limited knowledge on the characteristics of who is reached. The aim of this study was to describe the recruitment process, estimate reach rate at the population level and to describe participants characteristics and representativeness in a digital fall prevention intervention study.Methods: In a municipality-based observational study, reach of a digital fall prevention intervention was evaluated. The intervention included a digital exercise programme (Safe Step) and optional supportive strategies, complemented with a range of recruitment strategies to optimize reach. Recruitment during a period of 6 months was open to people 70 years or older who had experienced a fall or a decline in balance the past year. Reach was based on data from the baseline questionnaire including health and demographic characteristics of participants. Representativeness was estimated by comparing participants to a sample of older people from the Swedish National Public Health Survey.Results: The recruitment rate was 4.7% (n = 173) in relation to the estimated population of focus (n = 3,706). Most participants signed up within the first month of the intervention (n = 131). The intervention attracted primarily women, older people with high education, individuals who used the internet or digital applications almost every day and those perceiving their balance as fair or poor. Safe step participants lived more commonly alone and had higher education and better walking ability in comparison to the Swedish National Public Health Survey.Conclusions: With a range of recruitment strategies most participants were recruited to a digital fall intervention during the first month. The intervention attracted primarily highly educated women who frequently used the internet or smart technologies. In addition to digital fall prevention interventions, a higher diversity of intervention types (digital and non-digital) is more likely to reach a larger group of older people with different needs.
|
|
| 11. |
- Giné-Garriga, Maria, et al.
(författare)
-
Mission (im)possible : Engaging care homes, staff and residents in research studies
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Journal of frailty, sarcopenia and falls. - : Hylonome Publications. - 2459-4148. ; 5:1, s. 6-9
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: With increasing age the risk of institutionalization increases. To address the problem of underrepresentation of care homes and their residents in future research studies, we aimed to explore care home staff members' thoughts on barriers, challenges, facilitators and key aspects of engaging in research studies.METHODS: Five staff members from four care homes in Glasgow and Barcelona were interviewed. Transcription of the interviews was completed verbatim and an inductive thematic analysis was conducted to understand the difficulties and challenges they perceive for engaging in research studies.RESULTS: Three themes emerged that encapsulated the staff members' perspectives. 'Too much to deal with' included two subthemes; 'interested but with support' encapsulated four subthemes; and 'on the residents' terms' highlighted three subthemes. Staff members showed interest in engaging in research studies if a clear management support accompanied by a whole team approach was evident. The involvement of the resident's relatives was seen as essential if residents were to be supported to be engaged.CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size, the perspectives of staff members, irrespective of country, provided valuable insights for informing researchers on best approaches to maximize care home and resident engagement in research.
|
|
| 12. |
- Janols, Rebecka, et al.
(författare)
-
Older adults as designers of behavior change strategies to increase physical activity : report of a participatory design process
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Frontiers In Public Health. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2296-2565. ; 10
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Despite the significant value of physical activity for the health of older adults, this population often fails to achieve recommended activity levels. Digital interventions show promise in providing support for self-managed physical activity. However, more information is needed about older adults' preferences for digital support to change physical activity behaviors as well as the process of designing them. The aim of this paper was to describe the participatory design process in which older adults were involved in the co-creation of digitally supported behavioral change strategies to support self-managed physical activity, and how the results were integrated in a prototype.Methods: The participatory design process involved with nine older adults and two researchers. The participants were divided in two groups, and each group participated in three workshops and completed home tasks in between workshops. Following an iterative design process influenced by theories of behavior change, the workshops and home tasks were continuously analyzed, and the content and process were developed between groups and the next set of workshops. Prototypes of a mobile health (mHealth) solution for fall preventive exercise for older adults were developed in which the conceptualized strategies were integrated. To support coherence in reporting and evaluation, the developed techniques were mapped to the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1 and the basic human psychosocial needs according to the Self-determination Theory.Results: The results highlight different preferences of older adults for feedback on physical activity performance, as well as the importance of transparency regarding the identification of the sender of feedback. Preferences for content and wording of feedback varied greatly. Subsequently, the design process resulted in a virtual health coach with three different motivational profiles and tools for goal setting and self-monitoring. These behavior change strategies were integrated in the exercise application Safe Step v1. The conformity of the design concepts with the needs of Self-determination Theory and Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1 are presented.Conclusion: The participatory design process exemplifies how older adults successfully contributed to the design of theory-based digital behavior change support, from idea to finished solution. Tailoring feedback with a transparent sender is important to support and not undermine motivation.
|
|
| 13. |
- Leask, Calum F., et al.
(författare)
-
Framework, principles and recommendations for utilising participatory methodologies in the co-creation and evaluation of public health interventions
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Research Involvement and Engagement. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 2056-7529. ; 5:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Due to the chronic disease burden on society, there is a need for preventive public health interventions to stimulate society towards a healthier lifestyle. To deal with the complex variability between individual lifestyles and settings, collaborating with end-users to develop interventions tailored to their unique circumstances has been suggested as a potential way to improve effectiveness and adherence. Co-creation of public health interventions using participatory methodologies has shown promise but lacks a framework to make this process systematic. The aim of this paper was to identify and set key principles and recommendations for systematically applying participatory methodologies to co-create and evaluate public health interventions.Methods: These principles and recommendations were derived using an iterative reflection process, combining key learning from published literature in addition to critical reflection on three case studies conducted by research groups in three European institutions, all of whom have expertise in co-creating public health interventions using different participatory methodologies.Results: Key principles and recommendations for using participatory methodologies in public health intervention co-creation are presented for the stages of: Planning (framing the aim of the study and identifying the appropriate sampling strategy); Conducting (defining the procedure, in addition to manifesting ownership); Evaluating (the process and the effectiveness) and Reporting (providing guidelines to report the findings). Three scaling models are proposed to demonstrate how to scale locally developed interventions to a population level.Conclusions: These recommendations aim to facilitate public health intervention co-creation and evaluation utilising participatory methodologies by ensuring the process is systematic and reproducible.
|
|
| 14. |
- Månsson, Linda, et al.
(författare)
-
Feasibility of performance-based and self-reported outcomes in self-managed falls prevention exercise interventions for independent older adults living in the community
- 2022
-
Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2318. ; 22:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Little is known about associations between performance-based measurements and self-reported scales, nor about ceiling effects or sensitivity to change to evaluate effects in the target population for self-managed exercise interventions. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using performance-based outcomes for gait speed, functional leg strength and balance, and self-reported outcomes of falls-efficacy and functional ability in two self-managed falls prevention exercise interventions for community dwelling older adults.METHODS: Independent living, community-dwelling older adults (n = 67) exercised with one of two self-managed falls prevention exercise programmes, a digital programme (DP) or a paper booklet (PB) in a 4-month participant preference trial. Pre- and post-assessments, by blinded assessors, included Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 30s Chair stand test (30s CST). Participants completed self-reported questionnaires: Activities-specific and Balance Confidence scale (ABC), Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon-FES), Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument Function Component (LLFDI-FC). In addition, improvement in balance and leg strength was also self-rated at post-assessment. Participants' mean age was 76 ± 4 years and 72% were women.RESULTS: Ceiling effects were evident for the balance sub-component of the SPPB, and also indicated for ABC and Icon-FES in this high functioning population. In SPPB, gait speed, 30s CST, and LLFDI-FC, 21-56% of participants did not change their scores beyond the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID). At pre-assessment all performance-based tests correlated significantly with the self-reported scales, however, no such significant correlations were seen with change-scores. Improvement of performance-based functional leg strength with substantial effect sizes and significant correlations with self-reported exercise time was shown. There were no differences in outcomes between the exercise programmes except that DP users reported improved change of leg strength to a higher degree than PB users.CONCLUSION: The LLFDI-FC and sit-to-stand tests were feasible and sensitive to change in this specific population. The balance sub-component of SPPB and self-reported measures ABC and Icon-FES indicated ceiling effects and might not be suitable as outcome measures for use in a high functioning older population. Development and evaluation of new outcome measures are needed for self-managed fall-preventive interventions with high functioning community-dwelling older adults.
|
|
| 15. |
|
|
| 16. |
- Nedergård, Heidi, et al.
(författare)
-
Effect of robotic-assisted gait training on objective biomechanical measures of gait in persons post-stroke : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1743-0003. ; 18:1
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Robotic-Assisted Gait Training (RAGT) may enable high-intensive and task-specific gait training post-stroke. The effect of RAGT on gait movement patterns has however not been comprehensively reviewed. The purpose of this review was to summarize the evidence for potentially superior effects of RAGT on biomechanical measures of gait post-stroke when compared with non-robotic gait training alone.Methods: Nine databases were searched using database-specific search terms from their inception until January 2021. We included randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of RAGT (e.g., using exoskeletons or end-effectors) on spatiotemporal, kinematic and kinetic parameters among adults suffering from any stage of stroke. Screening, data extraction and judgement of risk of bias (using the Cochrane Risk of bias 2 tool) were performed by 2–3 independent reviewers. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were used to evaluate the certainty of evidence for the biomechanical gait measures of interest.Results: Thirteen studies including a total of 412 individuals (mean age: 52–69 years; 264 males) met eligibility criteria and were included. RAGT was employed either as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies in a subacute or chronic phase post-stroke. The included studies showed a high risk of bias (n = 6), some concerns (n = 6) or a low risk of bias (n = 1). Meta-analyses using a random-effects model for gait speed, cadence, step length (non-affected side) and spatial asymmetry revealed no significant differences between the RAGT and comparator groups, while stride length (mean difference [MD] 2.86 cm), step length (affected side; MD 2.67 cm) and temporal asymmetry calculated in ratio-values (MD 0.09) improved slightly more in the RAGT groups. There were serious weaknesses with almost all GRADE domains (risk of bias, consistency, directness, or precision of the findings) for the included outcome measures (spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters). Kinetic parameters were not reported at all.Conclusion: There were few relevant studies and the review synthesis revealed a very low certainty in current evidence for employing RAGT to improve gait biomechanics post-stroke. Further high-quality, robust clinical trials on RAGT that complement clinical data with biomechanical data are thus warranted to disentangle the potential effects of such interventions on gait biomechanics post-stroke.
|
|
| 17. |
|
|
| 18. |
- Nedergård, Heidi, 1978-
(författare)
-
“Taking the next step” : whole-body biomechanical gait analysis, and user-perspectives on robotic-assisted gait training post-stroke
- 2021
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Stroke, and its subsequent motor function impairments may result in limited gait ability characterised by compensatory movement patterns that include deviations and asymmetries. How these movement patterns should be evaluated and quantified in order to be monitored and treated in the long term is not yet standardised. Limitations in walking quality and quantity negatively affect quality of life and lead to great costs for society if independence is lost. Improved walking ability is hence highly prioritised in stroke rehabilitation. Gait-assisting robots have been developed to enable favourable controlled, high-intensive and task-specific training. Studies evaluating the effects of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) have, however, shown inconsistent results. Identifying responders to treatment may facilitate further development of RAGT to improve outcomes. This requires in-depth knowledge of how specific gait movement patterns should best be identified, quantified and treated in rehabilitation. There is also a need for greater insight into how individuals experience gait training in general, and RAGT in particular, as this will likely affect the performance and outcomes of training.Aim: This thesis aims to contribute to the discussion on how to quantify gait movement patterns post-stroke from a whole-body perspective. It will also evaluate the effects of RAGT on biomechanical measures of gait and explore the experience of high-intensive and robotic-assisted gait training in persons with impaired walking ability due to stroke.Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis consolidated the evidence for the effects of RAGT on biomechanical measures of gait in persons post-stroke. Two descriptive, cross-sectional studies based on kinematic gait data (31 persons post-stroke and 41 non-disabled controls) investigated potential variables to quantify post-stroke gait. The size and angular velocity of the inclination angles between the Centre of Mass (CoM) and the ankle or head, respectively, was investigated with curve analyses covering the entire gait cycle. Furthermore, misclassification rates were calculated based on leave-one-out cross-validation and logistic regression to address the combinations of kinematic variables that most correctly classify a person post-stroke when compared to controls. Finally, individual interviews were performed and analysed using qualitative content analysis to explore the experiences of high-intensive gait training, including RAGT, among persons post-stroke.Results: The systematic review included 13 studies with a total of 412 individuals. The meta-analyses did generally not reveal significant differences between RAGT and comparator groups for biomechanical parameters. Risk of bias assessments raised concerns for several of the studies and the general quality of evidence for these outcomes was very low. An important finding was an inconsistency of biomechanical outcome measures. Data from the primary cross-sectional studies included in this thesis indicated a bilateral lower body adaptation likely to increase the base of support and an upper body leaning towards the affected side during walking in persons post-stroke. Furthermore, core sets of 2-3 kinematic gait variables were identified from both the upper and lower body that, when combined, were most likely to differentiate post-stroke gait from gait in non-disabled controls. Finally, qualitative analysis of participants’ perspectives on high-intensive gait training including RAGT revealed four categories which described: 1) A generally positive mindset when starting the gait training intervention; 2) That engaging in a high-intensive gait training programme was appreciated although experienced as mentally and physically exhausting. The role of the physiotherapist was perceived as crucial; 3) Potential barriers during RAGT, such as discomfort and lost control during walking with the robot, but also facilitators like concrete feedback and the possibility to walk longer distances, and; 4) The participants’ feelings of confidence or concern for the future. Conclusions: The systematic review demonstrated a very low certainty in current evidence for employing RAGT instead of non-robotic gait training to improve gait biomechanics post-stroke. In addition, it emphasized the lack of standardised guidelines as to which outcome measures most sufficiently quantify gait post-stroke. The cross-sectional studies included in this thesis, presenting upper and lower body kinematic variables to differentiate gait patterns between individuals with stroke and those without, highlight the advantages of adopting a whole-body perspective when evaluating gait post-stroke. Finally, interviews identified valuable aspects from the user’s perspective that should be considered during further development of RAGT devices and the design of high-intensive gait rehabilitation programmes post-stroke.
|
|
| 19. |
- Nedergård, Heidi, et al.
(författare)
-
Users’ experiences of intensive robotic-assisted gait training post-stroke : “a push forward or feeling pushed around?”
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Disability and Rehabilitation. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) is suggested to improve walking ability after stroke. The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of robotic-assisted gait training as part of a gait training intervention among persons in the chronic phase after stroke.Materials and methods: Semi-structured interviews were performed with 13 participants after a 6-week intervention including treadmill gait training with the Hybrid Assistive Limb® (HAL) exoskeleton. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results: Four categories emerged: (1) A rare opportunity for potential improvements describes the mindset before the start of the intervention; (2) Being pushed to the limit represents the experience of engaging in intensive gait training; (3) Walking with both resistance and constraints reveals barriers and facilitators during HAL training; (4) Reaching the end and taking the next step alone illustrates feelings of confidence or concern as the intervention ended.Conclusions: The gait training intervention including RAGT was considered demanding but appreciated. Support and concrete, individual feedback was crucial for motivation, whilst the lack of variation was a barrier. Results encourage further development of exoskeletons that are comfortable to wear and stimulate active participation by enabling smoothly synchronised movements performed during task-specific activities in different environments.
|
|
| 20. |
- Pettersson, Beatrice, et al.
(författare)
-
Effectiveness of a self-managed digital exercise programme to prevent falls in older community-dwelling adults : study protocol for the Safe Step randomised controlled trial
- 2020
-
Ingår i: BMJ Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2044-6055. ; 10:5
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Exercise interventions have a strong evidence base for falls prevention. However, exercise can be challenging to implement and often has limited reach and poor adherence. Digital technology provides opportunities for both increased access to the intervention and support over time. Further knowledge needs to be gained regarding the effectiveness of completely self-managed digital exercise interventions. The main objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a self-managed digital exercise programme, Safe Step, in combination with monthly educational videos with educational videos alone, on falls over 1 year in older community-dwelling adults.Methods and analysis: A two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial will be conducted with at least 1400 community-living older adults (70+ years) who experience impaired balance. Participants will be recruited throughout Sweden with enrolment through the project website. They will be randomly allocated to either the Safe Step exercise programme with additional monthly educational videos about healthy ageing and fall prevention, or the monthly education videos alone. Participants receiving the exercise intervention will be asked to exercise at home for at least 30 min, 3 times/week with support of the Safe Step application. The primary outcome will be rate of falls (fall per person year). Participants will keep a fall calendar and report falls at the end of each month through a digital questionnaire. Further assessments of secondary outcomes will be made through self-reported questionnaires and a self-test of 30 s chair stand test at baseline and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after study start. Data will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle.Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval was obtained by The Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå (Dnr 2018/433-31). Findings will be disseminated through the project web-site, peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences and through senior citizen organisations’ newsletters.Trial registration number: NCT03963570.
|
|
| 21. |
- Pettersson, Beatrice, et al.
(författare)
-
'Maintaining balance in life'—exploring older adults' long-term engagement in self-managed digital fall prevention exercise
- 2023
-
Ingår i: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1813-7253 .- 1861-6909. ; 20:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Accidental falls are one of the greatest threats to older adults’ health and well-being. The risk of falling can be significantly reduced with strength and balance interventions. However, there needs to be further knowledge into how older adults can be supported to achieve a maintained exercise behaviour. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore factors that enabled older adults to maintain their exercise during a 1-year self-managed digital fall prevention exercise intervention.Methods: This study used a grounded theory methodology. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted by phone or conference call. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults aged 70 years or more participated. The participants had a self-reported exercise dose of 60 min or more per week during the last three months of participation in a 12-months intervention of self-managed digital fall prevention exercise, the Safe Step randomized controlled trial. Open, axial, and selective coding, along with constant comparative analysis, was used to analyze the data.Results: The analysis resulted in a theoretical model. We found that the fall prevention exercise habits of adults were developed through three stages: Acting against threats to one’s own identity, Coordinating strategies to establish a routine, and Forming habits through cues and evaluation. The main category of Maintaining balance in life encases the participants transition through the three stages and reflects balance in both physical aspects and in between activities in daily life. The process of maintaining balance in life and desire to do so were mediated both by intrinsic person-dependent factors and the Safe Step application acting as an external mediator.Conclusion: This study identified three stages of how older adults developed self-managed fall prevention exercise habits, supported by a digital application. The generated theoretical model can inform future interventions aiming to support long-term engagement in digitally supported and self-managed fall prevention interventions.
|
|
| 22. |
- Pettersson, Beatrice, et al.
(författare)
-
Older adults’ experiences of behavior change support in a digital fall prevention exercise program : A qualitative study framed by the self-determination theory
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Journal of Medical Internet Research. - : JMIR Publications. - 1438-8871. ; 23:7
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Exercise is an effective intervention to prevent falls in older adults; however, long-term adherence is often poor. To increase adherence, additional support for behavior change has been advocated. However, consistency in the reporting of interventions using behavior change techniques is lacking. Recently, a classification system has been developed to increase consistency in studies using behavior change techniques within the self-determination theory.Objective: This study aimed to explore expressions of self-determination among community-dwelling older adults using a self-managed digital fall prevention exercise program comprising behavior change support (the Safe Step program), which was developed in co-creation with intended users.Methods: The qualitative study design was based on open-ended responses to questionnaires, and individual and focus group interviews. A deductive qualitative content analysis was applied using the classification system of motivation and behavior change techniques as an analytical matrix, followed by an inductive analysis. Twenty-five participants took part in a feasibility study and exercised in their homes with the Safe Step program for 4 months. The exercise program was available on computers, smartphones, and tablets, and was fully self-managed.Results: In the deductive analysis, expressions of support were demonstrated for all three basic human psychological needs, namely, autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These expressions were related to 11 of the 21 motivation and behavior change techniques in the classification system. The inductive analysis indicated that autonomy (to be in control) was valued and enabled individual adaptations according to different rationales for realizing exercise goals. However, the experience of autonomy was also two-sided and depended on the participants’ competence in exercise and the use of technology. The clarity of the program and exercise videos was seen as key for support in performance and competent choices. Although augmented techniques for social support were requested, support through relatedness was found within the program.Conclusions: In this study, the Safe Step program supported the establishment of new exercise routines, as well as the three basic human psychological needs, with autonomy and competence being expressed as central in this context. Based on the participants’ experiences, a proposed addition to the classification system used as an analytical matrix has been presented.
|
|
| 23. |
- Pettersson, Beatrice, et al.
(författare)
-
Recruitment strategies and reach of a digital fall-prevention intervention for community-dwelling older adults
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Digital health. - : Sage Publications. - 2055-2076. ; 8
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: To have an impact on the population's health, preventive interventions have to reach a large proportion of the intended population. Digital solutions show potential for providing wider access to fall preventive exercise. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how to reach the target group. The aim of this study was to describe the recruitment process used in the Safe Step randomised controlled trial and the characteristics of the participants reached.Methods: Several recruitment methods, both digital and non-digital, were adopted to reach the intended sample size. Sociodemographic parameters from the baseline questionnaire were used to describe participant characteristics. The characteristics were also compared to a representative sample of older adults in the Swedish population.Results: In total, 1628 older adults were recruited. Social media proved to be the most successful recruitment strategy, through which 76% of the participants were recruited. The participants reached had a mean age of 75.9 years, lived in both urban and rural locations, were already frequent users of the Internet and applications (smartphone/tablet) (79.9%), had higher education (71.9%), and a large proportion were women (79.4%). In comparison with the general population participants in the Safe Step study were more highly educated (p < 0.001), women in the study more frequently lived alone (p < 0.001) and men more often reported poorer self-rated health (p = 0.04). Within the study, men reported a faster deteriorating balance (p = 0.003) and more prescribed medication (p < 0.001) than women.Conclusion: Recruitment via social media is a useful strategy for reaching older adults, especially women and frequent users of the Internet, for a fully self-managed and digital fall prevention exercise intervention. This study underlines that a range of interventions must be available to attract and suit older adults with different functional statuses and digital skills.
|
|
| 24. |
- Sandlund, Marlene, 1972-
(författare)
-
Motion interactive games for children with motor disorders : motivation, physical activity, and motor control
- 2011
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- As motion interactive games have become more widespread the interest in using these games in rehabilitation of children with motor disorders has increased among both clinical professionals and the families of these children. The general aim of this thesis was to evaluate the feasibility of using interactive games in rehabilitation of children to promote motivation for practice, physical activity, and motor control. A systematic review of published intervention studies was conducted to obtain an overview of existing research and the current levels of evidence for using interactive games in motor rehabilitation of children. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, out of these three were randomized controlled trials while half were case series or case reports. Thirteen studies presented positive findings, which indicated a promising potential. However, more convincing research is needed. Commercially available motion interactive games have only been used in a few studies on motor control, and in none of these home based practice was provided. Moreover, no earlier studies have evaluated if these games may increase motivation for training and daily physical activity among children with disabilities. To address these issues a feasibility intervention including 15 children in the ages 6-16 years and with mild to moderate cerebral palsy was conducted. Each child was provided with a Sony PlayStation2â and the EyeToyâ games in Play3, and was recommended to practice with the provided games for at least 20 minutes/day during four weeks. The intervention was evaluated with gaming diaries, physical activity monitors (SenseWear Armband), interviews with the parents, and the clinical motor tests Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (mABC-2), Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency subtest 5:6, and the 1 Minute Walk Test. In addition, 3D motion analysis was used to evaluate effects on quality of goal-directed arm movements towards virtual and real objects, respectively. Motivation for practice and compliance of training were high, although declining somewhat during the course of the four weeks. The children’s physical activity increased significantly during the intervention. However, four children were excluded from this analysis due to lack of complete data from the physical activity monitors. According to mABC-2 the children’s motor performance improved, but there were both floor and ceiling effects, indicating a low sensibility of this test. The two additional motor tests showed only non-significant progress. Results from the 3D motion analysis suggest that the children improved movement precision when playing the games, movement smoothness when reaching for real objects, and used a more economic reaching strategy with less trunk involvement. In the interviews the parents expressed the view that motion interactive games promote positive experiences of physical training and add elements of social interaction to the training. They also experienced less urge to take on a coaching role. The training provided by the games was considered unspecific and there was a desire for individualized games to better address the unique rehabilitative need of each child. In conclusion, it is feasible to use motion interactive games in home rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy to promote short term motivation for practice and general physical training. Specific effects on motor control need to be further explored and there is also a need for reliable tests that are adequate and sensitive enough to capture changes in movement control. In future development of interactive games for rehabilitation purposes, it is a challenge to preserve the motivational and social features of games while at the same time optimizing an individualized physical training.
|
|
| 25. |
- Skelton, Dawn A., et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of a falls exercise intervention on strength, power, functional ability and bone in older frequent fallers : FaME (Falls Management Exercise) RCT secondary analysis
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Journal of frailty, sarcopenia and falls. - : Hylonome Publications. - 2459-4148. ; 4:1, s. 11-19
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Falls Management Exercise (FaME) has been shown to reduce falls in frequent fallers and in lower risk sedentary older people. The effects of FaME on the strength, power, physical function and bone health of frequently falling older women are yet to be established.METHODS: This paper reports secondary analysis of data from the original randomised controlled trial of FaME in 100 community dwelling women aged ≥65 years with a history of ≥3 falls in the previous year. Intervention was group delivered, weekly one hour tailored dynamic balance and strength exercise classes and home exercise for nine months.OUTCOME MEASURES INCLUDED: strength (handgrip, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip abductors, ankles), lower limb explosive power and functional tests (timed up and go, functional reach, timed floor rise and balance), analysed using Linear Mixed Model analysis. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) at hip and spine was measured in a smaller sub-group and analysed using t-tests.RESULTS: Significant time*group interactions in all measures of strength, except isometric ankle dorsiflexion, concentric hamstring and eccentric quadriceps strength. These improvements in strength equated to average improvements of 7-45%. There were also significant improvements in explosive power (W/kg) (18%, p=0.000), timed up and go (16%, p=0.000), functional reach (17%, p=0.000), floor rise (10%, p=0.002) and eyes closed static balance (56%, p=0.000). There was a significant loss of hip BMD in the control group (neck of femur p<0.05; ward's triangle p<0.02).CONCLUSION: The FaME intervention improves lower limb strength, power and clinically relevant functional outcomes in frequently falling older women.
|
|
