1. |
- Ledin, T., et al.
(author)
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Effects of balance training in elderly evaluated by clinical tests and dynamic posturography
- 1991
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In: Journal of Vestibular Research-Equilibrium & Orientation. - 0957-4271 .- 1878-6464. ; 1:2, s. 129-138
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- All persons aged 70 through 75 years (N = 457) in a Swedish community were invited to participate in a 9 week balance training study. Out of 55 interested subjects, 15 were chosen at random for a study group; 15 matched controls were also selected. Before and after the investigation period the balance function was assessed by clinical balance tests and dynamic posturography. In the clinical balance tests, the training group significantly improved their balance standing on one leg with eyes closed as well as standing on one leg while shaking the head; they also walked 15 m back and forth faster. In the dynamic posturography the training group significantly improved their equilibrium scores in the 3 most difficult test conditions. The results of the control group were unchanged except for one test condition in the dynamic posturography. The differences in one-leg standing with head shaking, walking 2 x 15 m, and the equilibrium score using sway-referenced platform in dynamic posturography were proved to be attributable to the training. The first investigation in all 29 subjects formed normative dynamic posturography data for the age group 70 through 75 years. The normative posturographic data of this age group differed from previously obtained data in the age groups 20 through 59 and 60 through 69 years. It is concluded that elderly may improve their balance by regular balance training exercises for as short a period as 9 weeks. This might prove to be of great value in improving balance and thereby preventing accidental falls and subsequent fractures in elderly.
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3. |
- Westerdahl, J, et al.
(author)
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Use of sunbeds or sunlamps and malignant melanoma in southern Sweden
- 1994
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In: American Journal of Epidemiology. - 0002-9262. ; 140:8, s. 9-691
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In a population-based, matched case-control study from the South Swedish Health Care Region, which has the highest risk for melanoma in Sweden, the relation between the use of sunbeds or sunlamps and malignant melanoma was investigated. Between July 1, 1988, and June 30, 1990, a total of 400 melanoma patients and 640 healthy controls aged 15-75 years answered a comprehensive questionnaire containing different epidemiologic variables. Questions regarding the use of sunbeds or sunlamps were included. The odds ratio for developing malignant melanoma after ever having used sunbeds or sunlamps was 1.3. Considering all age groups, the odds ratio was significantly elevated after exposure more than 10 times a year to sunbeds or sunlamps (odds ratio (OR) = 1.8). When the study was restricted to patients and controls younger than age 30 years because the use of tanning devices is much more common among young persons, the odds ratio was higher (OR = 7.7 for more than 10 times a year vs. none). These findings were independent of constitutional factors and factors regarding sun exposure. A dose-response relation was evident. Furthermore, among melanoma patients in this young age group, the ratio of females to males was significantly higher than in older patients. When different melanoma presentation sites were considered, only lesions of the trunk were significantly associated with sunbed or sunlamp use (OR = 4.2 for more than 10 times a year vs. none).
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