Agneta Ståhle - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Agneta Ståhle
Osteoporosis International, Aug 9, 2018
Low bone mineral density (BMD) gives an increased risk of fractures, which can lead to premature ... more Low bone mineral density (BMD) gives an increased risk of fractures, which can lead to premature death. Can BMD of the wrist predict mortality? BMD consistent with osteopenia and osteoporosis gave a significantly increased risk of death for both men and women in a general population in Tromsø, Norway.
Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, Aug 15, 2000
The aim of this study was to identify and describe the factors of importance for elderly (>... more The aim of this study was to identify and describe the factors of importance for elderly (> or =65 years) patients in being physically active one year after acute myocardial infarction. Forty-three consecutive elderly patients with a recent myocardial infarction were randomized either to a supervised outpatient-group training programme, 50 min three times a week for 3 months, or to a control group. An independent observer interviewed the patients 12 months after randomization in order to elucidate the factors that motivated the patients into being physically active. Both groups were identical at the start. The patients in the training group stated that the programme had made them more self-confident regarding physical activities and this seems to be an important factor for continuing to be physically active. Body mass index, age, gender and support from a physically active partner were of minor importance compared to the training programme or earlier experience of regular physical activity.
European Heart Journal, Oct 1, 1999
Aims Cardiac rehabilitation including exercise training is of proven value in ischaemic heart dis... more Aims Cardiac rehabilitation including exercise training is of proven value in ischaemic heart disease. However, elderly patients frequently are not encouraged to participate in such programmes. This study evaluates the physiological effects and self-reported quality of life after an aerobic outpatient group-training programme in subjects above the age of 65 years. A consecutive series of 101 patients (males 80%) aged 65-84 (mean 71) years recovering from an acute coronary event were randomized to either a supervised out patient group-training programme (n=50) or to a control group (n=51). The two groups were well balanced as regards clinical characteristics. The compliance in the training group was 87%. Exercise tolerance increased in the trained group from 104 to 122 and 111 W after 3 and 12 months respectively. The corresponding values were 102, 105 and 105 W among controls. Parameters, such as quality of life, self-estimated level of physical activity, fitness and well-being were graded higher by the trained patients than those who served as controls on the two occasions of follow-up. Conclusions Aerobic group-training of elderly patients recovering from an acute coronary event beneficially influences physical fitness and several parameters expressing quality of life. Great care has to be taken to preserve the initial effects by continued training.
Osteoporosis International, Apr 16, 2021
Since muscles can influence bone growth and vice versa, we examined if level of physical activity... more Since muscles can influence bone growth and vice versa, we examined if level of physical activity and physical capability tests can predict areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Both high activity level and good test performance were associated with higher aBMD, especially in women. Introduction Muscle influences bone formation and vice versa. Tests of physical capability and level of physical activity reflect various muscle qualities. We assessed the associations between total hip aBMD and physical activity as well as a range of standardized physical capability tests in an adult general population. Methods A total of 3 533 women and men aged 40-84 years, participating in the population-based cross-sectional Tromsø study in Norway in 2015-2016, were included. Linear regression was used to assess associations between aBMD and physical activity and the physical capability tests grip strength, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and standing balance. Non-linear associations were examined in cubic spline models. Standardized regression coefficients were calculated to compare effect sizes across physical capability measures. Results In fully adjusted models, higher physical activity was positively associated with total hip aBMD in both sexes compared to a sedentary lifestyle. All tests of physical capability were associated with aBMD in women, SPPB showing the strongest association although effect sizes were too small to indicate clinically significant differences (1 point increase corresponded to an aBMD increase of 0.009 g/cm 2 , CI = 0.005 to 0.012). In men, SPPB and its subtests were associated with aBMD with chair rises showing the strongest association (1 s increase in execution time corresponded to an aBMD decrease of 0.005 g/cm 2 , CI = 0.008 to 0.002). Conclusion Physical activity was associated with aBMD, and tests of physical capability can account for some of the aBMD variations in adults aged 40 years and older, especially in women.
Acta Paediatrica, Jan 2, 2007
Acta Paediatrica, Jan 2, 2007
The aims of this study were to identify current levels of physical activity and to study the rela... more The aims of this study were to identify current levels of physical activity and to study the relationship between physical activity and body mass index (BMI) using international cutoff points. Methods: 871 children, aged 7-14 y, were measured for height and weight and the activity levels were analysed using pedometers to measure mean step counts for 4 consecutive days. Results: Step counts were significantly higher in boys than in girls, and showed stability over age and large in-group differences. BMI showed that 13.2% of the boys and 14.5% of the girls were overweight and 4.5% of both boys and girls were obese. Analysis of step counts and BMIs for boys and girls revealed no significant correlations in any age group. Conclusion: Pedometers differentiate among age groups and gender concerning physical activity and facilitate individual goal-setting. The result of this study provide baseline information, useful as reference data, on youth physical activity as daily step counts, as well as on youth BMI levels according to new international cutoff points.
![Research paper thumbnail of [Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is associated with reduced risk of myocardial infarction]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/116224900/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](PubMed, Sep 14, 2022
In patients with coronary artery disease, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) is recomme... more In patients with coronary artery disease, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) is recommended to decrease all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, hospitalisation and risk of myocardial infarction and to improve aerobic capacity and muscle strength and endurance. Before starting the EBCR program, a pre-exercise screening is conducted. Exercise is individually prescribed based on tests of aerobic and muscular strength/endurance, as part of a comprehensive and medically supervised program. A post-exercise assessment is performed to evaluate the effects of exercise and to provide an exercise prescription to encourage life-long exercise.
Läkartidningen, Aug 5, 2009
Gait & Posture, Nov 1, 2013
Journal of Parkinson's disease, Oct 19, 2016
Background: The desirable effects of physical activity in individuals with Parkinson's disease ar... more Background: The desirable effects of physical activity in individuals with Parkinson's disease are well-known, although according to results from previous studies factors associated with objectively assessed physical activity are not fully investigated. Objective: To investigate demographic, disease-related and mobility-related factors that associate with objectively measured physical activity, in a sample of older adults with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. Methods: Demographic, disease-related and mobility-related factors were gathered by interview from a total of 91 older adults with Parkinson's disease, followed by an evaluation of balance control using the Mini-BESTest. After initial testing, participants wore a tri-axial accelerometer during a week of free-living. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression was used to investigate factors associated with total PA, represented by total activity counts, and time in brisk walking. Results: Motor impairment, physical function, body mass index and dyskinesia contributed to the variance of total physical activity, explaining 34 % of the variance, while physical function and balance control were significant factors associated with brisk walking, explaining 22 %. Conclusions: This study identified factors that have not been shown to associate with objectively measured physical activity previously, such as dyskinesia, balance control and self-rated physical function. The findings also demonstrated that associated factors differ, depending on the activity behavior being investigated. However, other factors than those included in this study may also be of importance.
Clinical Rehabilitation, Jun 3, 2014
Objective: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week balance training programme on self-assessed funct... more Objective: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week balance training programme on self-assessed function and disability in healthy community-dwelling older adults with self-perceived balance deficits and fear of falling. Design: A prospective, randomized controlled trial.
Clinical Rehabilitation, Jul 11, 2016
The water quality of Feng-qing Lake, which is a landscape lake supplemented with reclaimed water,... more The water quality of Feng-qing Lake, which is a landscape lake supplemented with reclaimed water, was surveyed to investigate the relationship between phytoplankton and environmental variables. A total of 29 water samples were collected to analyze temporal variations of phytoplankton and environmental factors from July 2013 to June 2014. Six phyla and 39 genera of phytoplankton were identified when the lake was supplied with reclaimed water. Among these, Cyanophyta and Chlorophyta account for 38.46% and 30.77% of phytoplankton, respectively. The dominant species in the lake are Pseudanabaena limnetica and Chlorella vulgaris, which are present the entire year. Other leading species include Cosmarium sp. and Raphidiopsis curvata. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to analyze the relationship among environmental factors. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was performed to investigate the relationship between environment factors and dominant species. The PCA result showed that temperature (T), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), transparency, and dissolved oxygen are the main factors that affect the eutrophication level of the lake. The CCA result revealed that TN, PO 4 3−-P, chemical oxygen demand (COD), T, and chlorophyll a exhibit a close relation with dominant species. In particular, TN, salinity, and COD influence the growth of P. limnetica; T and COD influence the growth of R. curvata; and T, PO 4 3−-P, NH 3-N, and pH influence the growth of C. vulgaris and Cosmarium sp.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2016
Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, Apr 1, 2017
A randomized controlled trial with follow-up at 3, 9, and 15 months, including 91 participants wi... more A randomized controlled trial with follow-up at 3, 9, and 15 months, including 91 participants with osteoporosis (75.6 ± 5.4 years), compared a balance training group (n = 61) with a control group (n = 30). The primary outcome was effect on habitual PA measured as steps/day, dichotomized into less than 5000 or 5000 or more steps/day. Physical activity was assessed with pedometers (Yamax) and accelerometers (Actigraph), HRQoL with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), gait with a GAITRite walkway, balance performance with Modified-Figure-Eight test and one-leg stance, fall-related concerns with Falls Efficacy Scale International, and physical function with the advanced lower extremity subscale of the questionnaire Late Life Function and Disability Instrument. Statistical methods used were multivariate logistic regression and logistic generalized estimating equation. Results: Sixty-eight participants completed the short-term follow-up at 3 months, and 53 participants completed the long-term follow-up at 15 months. Per-protocol analysis (n = 68) showed that the odds ratio for having a daily step count of 5000 or more at 3 months was 6.17 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-30.91), P = .027, for the intervention group compared with the control group. The longitudinal analysis (n = 91) showed that the odds ratio for having a daily step count of 5000 or more at 15 months was 2.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.88-4.64), P = .096, for the intervention group compared with the control group. The mental component sum of the SF-36 improved significantly from baseline to 3 months in the intervention group, and the physical component sum improved in both groups, but no statistically significant differences were found between groups. No associations were found between PA and changes in covariates. Discussion and Conclusions: The short-term evaluation showed that balance training increased habitual PA in communitydwelling older adults with osteoporosis. A significantly higher proportion of participants in the intervention group reached a level of 5000 or more steps/day, which is important for overall health. This effect was not associated with improvements in HRQoL, gait speed, balance performance, or fall-related concerns, and did not persist through the long-term follow-up. To accomplish a sustained PA change, a prolonged intervention or more support regarding habitual PA may be required, such as reinforcement with personalized behavior change counseling or PA on prescription.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Dec 1, 2012
TM 'app' on the iPhone TM both significantly underestimated the total distance covered compared t... more TM 'app' on the iPhone TM both significantly underestimated the total distance covered compared to the known track distance (2400 m) by 21 m and 18 m along with 70 m and 50 m for each trial and device respectively. Comparing the distance measured with the Motion X GPS TM on the iPhone TM to the GPSports Pro TM , 95% of cases fell within the 95% limits of agreement. Significant (p < 0.001) heteroscedasticity suggests that as the distance increases, the ability of the 'app' to measure accurately decreased. Both average speed and maximal speed for the iPhone TM 'app' showed acceptable agreement when compared with GPSports Pro TM with 96% and 95% of cases falling within the 95% limits of agreement respectively. Discussion: Overall, the Motion X GPS TM 'app' used on an iPhone TM provides an acceptable error for monitoring communitybased physical activity over 2.4 km compared with a sport specific GPS. The low-cost of the Motion X GPS TM 'app' compared with sport specific options is a major benefit and may allow an accessible alternative for monitoring physical activity in the community, but is unlikely to be suitable for measurement research or high level sports performance analysis.
Disability and Rehabilitation, Jan 7, 2019
(2019): "Stay balanced"-effectiveness of evidence-based balance training for older adults transfe... more (2019): "Stay balanced"-effectiveness of evidence-based balance training for older adults transferred into a physical therapy primary care setting-a pilot study, Disability and Rehabilitation,
Physiotherapy, May 1, 2015
the experienced raters was found to be 0.48 with a novice rater ICC of 0.48 as well. The ICC betw... more the experienced raters was found to be 0.48 with a novice rater ICC of 0.48 as well. The ICC between all the raters was 0.33. Conclusion(s): This constitutes poor reliability. The poor reliability of the technique testing the length of LD was identified and addressed in order for adequate usage thereof, in research and in practice. Recommendations of a new technique to test the length of LD were provided by the researcher. A suggestion was made regarding a manner of testing its reliability. Implications: A reliable technique for assessing the length of the Latissimus Dorsi muscle will add to objectivity and consistency in the assessment as well as the management of human movement related musculo-skelatal conditions.
Disability and Rehabilitation, Jul 3, 2015
Physical therapy, Mar 20, 2021
Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate if mobilization out of bed, within 2 hours af... more Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate if mobilization out of bed, within 2 hours after abdominal surgery, improved participants' respiratory function and whether breathing exercises had an additional positive effect. Methods. Participants were 214 consecutively recruited patients who underwent elective open or robot-assisted laparoscopic gynecological, urological, or endocrinological abdominal surgery with an anesthetic duration of >2 hours. They were recruited to a randomized controlled trial. Immediately after surgery, patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: mobilization (to sit in a chair) and standardized breathing exercises (n = 73), mobilization (to sit in a chair) only (n = 76), or control (n = 65). The interventions started within 2 hours after arrival at the postoperative recovery unit and continued for a maximum of 6 hours. The primary outcomes were differences in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO 2 , as a percentage) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO 2 , measured in kilopascals) between the groups. Secondary outcomes were arterial carbon dioxide pressure, spirometry, respiratory insufficiency, pneumonia, and length of stay. Results. Based on intention-to-treat analysis (n = 214), patients who received mobilization and breathing exercises had significantly improved SpO 2 (mean difference [MD] = 2.5%; 95% CI = 0.4 to 4.6) and PaO 2 (MD = 1.40 kPa; 95% CI = 0.64 to 2.17) compared with the controls. For mobilization only, there was an increase in PaO 2 (MD = 0.97 kPa; 95% CI = 0.20 to 1.74) compared with the controls. In the per-protocol analysis (n = 201), there were significant improvements in SpO 2 and PaO 2 for both groups receiving mobilization compared with the controls. Secondary outcome measures did not differ between groups. Conclusion. Mobilization out of bed, with or without breathing exercises, within 2 hours after elective abdominal surgery improved SpO 2 and PaO 2. Impact. The respiratory effect of mobilization (out of bed) immediately after surgery has not been thoroughly evaluated in the literature. This study shows that mobilization out of bed following elective abdominal surgery can improve SpO 2 and PaO 2. Lay Summary. Mobilization within 2 hours after elective abdominal surgery, with or without breathing exercises, can improve patients' respiratory function.
Osteoporosis International, Aug 9, 2018
Low bone mineral density (BMD) gives an increased risk of fractures, which can lead to premature ... more Low bone mineral density (BMD) gives an increased risk of fractures, which can lead to premature death. Can BMD of the wrist predict mortality? BMD consistent with osteopenia and osteoporosis gave a significantly increased risk of death for both men and women in a general population in Tromsø, Norway.
Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, Aug 15, 2000
The aim of this study was to identify and describe the factors of importance for elderly (>... more The aim of this study was to identify and describe the factors of importance for elderly (> or =65 years) patients in being physically active one year after acute myocardial infarction. Forty-three consecutive elderly patients with a recent myocardial infarction were randomized either to a supervised outpatient-group training programme, 50 min three times a week for 3 months, or to a control group. An independent observer interviewed the patients 12 months after randomization in order to elucidate the factors that motivated the patients into being physically active. Both groups were identical at the start. The patients in the training group stated that the programme had made them more self-confident regarding physical activities and this seems to be an important factor for continuing to be physically active. Body mass index, age, gender and support from a physically active partner were of minor importance compared to the training programme or earlier experience of regular physical activity.
European Heart Journal, Oct 1, 1999
Aims Cardiac rehabilitation including exercise training is of proven value in ischaemic heart dis... more Aims Cardiac rehabilitation including exercise training is of proven value in ischaemic heart disease. However, elderly patients frequently are not encouraged to participate in such programmes. This study evaluates the physiological effects and self-reported quality of life after an aerobic outpatient group-training programme in subjects above the age of 65 years. A consecutive series of 101 patients (males 80%) aged 65-84 (mean 71) years recovering from an acute coronary event were randomized to either a supervised out patient group-training programme (n=50) or to a control group (n=51). The two groups were well balanced as regards clinical characteristics. The compliance in the training group was 87%. Exercise tolerance increased in the trained group from 104 to 122 and 111 W after 3 and 12 months respectively. The corresponding values were 102, 105 and 105 W among controls. Parameters, such as quality of life, self-estimated level of physical activity, fitness and well-being were graded higher by the trained patients than those who served as controls on the two occasions of follow-up. Conclusions Aerobic group-training of elderly patients recovering from an acute coronary event beneficially influences physical fitness and several parameters expressing quality of life. Great care has to be taken to preserve the initial effects by continued training.
Osteoporosis International, Apr 16, 2021
Since muscles can influence bone growth and vice versa, we examined if level of physical activity... more Since muscles can influence bone growth and vice versa, we examined if level of physical activity and physical capability tests can predict areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Both high activity level and good test performance were associated with higher aBMD, especially in women. Introduction Muscle influences bone formation and vice versa. Tests of physical capability and level of physical activity reflect various muscle qualities. We assessed the associations between total hip aBMD and physical activity as well as a range of standardized physical capability tests in an adult general population. Methods A total of 3 533 women and men aged 40-84 years, participating in the population-based cross-sectional Tromsø study in Norway in 2015-2016, were included. Linear regression was used to assess associations between aBMD and physical activity and the physical capability tests grip strength, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and standing balance. Non-linear associations were examined in cubic spline models. Standardized regression coefficients were calculated to compare effect sizes across physical capability measures. Results In fully adjusted models, higher physical activity was positively associated with total hip aBMD in both sexes compared to a sedentary lifestyle. All tests of physical capability were associated with aBMD in women, SPPB showing the strongest association although effect sizes were too small to indicate clinically significant differences (1 point increase corresponded to an aBMD increase of 0.009 g/cm 2 , CI = 0.005 to 0.012). In men, SPPB and its subtests were associated with aBMD with chair rises showing the strongest association (1 s increase in execution time corresponded to an aBMD decrease of 0.005 g/cm 2 , CI = 0.008 to 0.002). Conclusion Physical activity was associated with aBMD, and tests of physical capability can account for some of the aBMD variations in adults aged 40 years and older, especially in women.
Acta Paediatrica, Jan 2, 2007
Acta Paediatrica, Jan 2, 2007
The aims of this study were to identify current levels of physical activity and to study the rela... more The aims of this study were to identify current levels of physical activity and to study the relationship between physical activity and body mass index (BMI) using international cutoff points. Methods: 871 children, aged 7-14 y, were measured for height and weight and the activity levels were analysed using pedometers to measure mean step counts for 4 consecutive days. Results: Step counts were significantly higher in boys than in girls, and showed stability over age and large in-group differences. BMI showed that 13.2% of the boys and 14.5% of the girls were overweight and 4.5% of both boys and girls were obese. Analysis of step counts and BMIs for boys and girls revealed no significant correlations in any age group. Conclusion: Pedometers differentiate among age groups and gender concerning physical activity and facilitate individual goal-setting. The result of this study provide baseline information, useful as reference data, on youth physical activity as daily step counts, as well as on youth BMI levels according to new international cutoff points.
PubMed, Sep 14, 2022
In patients with coronary artery disease, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) is recomme... more In patients with coronary artery disease, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) is recommended to decrease all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, hospitalisation and risk of myocardial infarction and to improve aerobic capacity and muscle strength and endurance. Before starting the EBCR program, a pre-exercise screening is conducted. Exercise is individually prescribed based on tests of aerobic and muscular strength/endurance, as part of a comprehensive and medically supervised program. A post-exercise assessment is performed to evaluate the effects of exercise and to provide an exercise prescription to encourage life-long exercise.
Läkartidningen, Aug 5, 2009
Gait & Posture, Nov 1, 2013
Journal of Parkinson's disease, Oct 19, 2016
Background: The desirable effects of physical activity in individuals with Parkinson's disease ar... more Background: The desirable effects of physical activity in individuals with Parkinson's disease are well-known, although according to results from previous studies factors associated with objectively assessed physical activity are not fully investigated. Objective: To investigate demographic, disease-related and mobility-related factors that associate with objectively measured physical activity, in a sample of older adults with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. Methods: Demographic, disease-related and mobility-related factors were gathered by interview from a total of 91 older adults with Parkinson's disease, followed by an evaluation of balance control using the Mini-BESTest. After initial testing, participants wore a tri-axial accelerometer during a week of free-living. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression was used to investigate factors associated with total PA, represented by total activity counts, and time in brisk walking. Results: Motor impairment, physical function, body mass index and dyskinesia contributed to the variance of total physical activity, explaining 34 % of the variance, while physical function and balance control were significant factors associated with brisk walking, explaining 22 %. Conclusions: This study identified factors that have not been shown to associate with objectively measured physical activity previously, such as dyskinesia, balance control and self-rated physical function. The findings also demonstrated that associated factors differ, depending on the activity behavior being investigated. However, other factors than those included in this study may also be of importance.
Clinical Rehabilitation, Jun 3, 2014
Objective: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week balance training programme on self-assessed funct... more Objective: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week balance training programme on self-assessed function and disability in healthy community-dwelling older adults with self-perceived balance deficits and fear of falling. Design: A prospective, randomized controlled trial.
Clinical Rehabilitation, Jul 11, 2016
The water quality of Feng-qing Lake, which is a landscape lake supplemented with reclaimed water,... more The water quality of Feng-qing Lake, which is a landscape lake supplemented with reclaimed water, was surveyed to investigate the relationship between phytoplankton and environmental variables. A total of 29 water samples were collected to analyze temporal variations of phytoplankton and environmental factors from July 2013 to June 2014. Six phyla and 39 genera of phytoplankton were identified when the lake was supplied with reclaimed water. Among these, Cyanophyta and Chlorophyta account for 38.46% and 30.77% of phytoplankton, respectively. The dominant species in the lake are Pseudanabaena limnetica and Chlorella vulgaris, which are present the entire year. Other leading species include Cosmarium sp. and Raphidiopsis curvata. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to analyze the relationship among environmental factors. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was performed to investigate the relationship between environment factors and dominant species. The PCA result showed that temperature (T), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), transparency, and dissolved oxygen are the main factors that affect the eutrophication level of the lake. The CCA result revealed that TN, PO 4 3−-P, chemical oxygen demand (COD), T, and chlorophyll a exhibit a close relation with dominant species. In particular, TN, salinity, and COD influence the growth of P. limnetica; T and COD influence the growth of R. curvata; and T, PO 4 3−-P, NH 3-N, and pH influence the growth of C. vulgaris and Cosmarium sp.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2016
Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, Apr 1, 2017
A randomized controlled trial with follow-up at 3, 9, and 15 months, including 91 participants wi... more A randomized controlled trial with follow-up at 3, 9, and 15 months, including 91 participants with osteoporosis (75.6 ± 5.4 years), compared a balance training group (n = 61) with a control group (n = 30). The primary outcome was effect on habitual PA measured as steps/day, dichotomized into less than 5000 or 5000 or more steps/day. Physical activity was assessed with pedometers (Yamax) and accelerometers (Actigraph), HRQoL with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), gait with a GAITRite walkway, balance performance with Modified-Figure-Eight test and one-leg stance, fall-related concerns with Falls Efficacy Scale International, and physical function with the advanced lower extremity subscale of the questionnaire Late Life Function and Disability Instrument. Statistical methods used were multivariate logistic regression and logistic generalized estimating equation. Results: Sixty-eight participants completed the short-term follow-up at 3 months, and 53 participants completed the long-term follow-up at 15 months. Per-protocol analysis (n = 68) showed that the odds ratio for having a daily step count of 5000 or more at 3 months was 6.17 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-30.91), P = .027, for the intervention group compared with the control group. The longitudinal analysis (n = 91) showed that the odds ratio for having a daily step count of 5000 or more at 15 months was 2.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.88-4.64), P = .096, for the intervention group compared with the control group. The mental component sum of the SF-36 improved significantly from baseline to 3 months in the intervention group, and the physical component sum improved in both groups, but no statistically significant differences were found between groups. No associations were found between PA and changes in covariates. Discussion and Conclusions: The short-term evaluation showed that balance training increased habitual PA in communitydwelling older adults with osteoporosis. A significantly higher proportion of participants in the intervention group reached a level of 5000 or more steps/day, which is important for overall health. This effect was not associated with improvements in HRQoL, gait speed, balance performance, or fall-related concerns, and did not persist through the long-term follow-up. To accomplish a sustained PA change, a prolonged intervention or more support regarding habitual PA may be required, such as reinforcement with personalized behavior change counseling or PA on prescription.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Dec 1, 2012
TM 'app' on the iPhone TM both significantly underestimated the total distance covered compared t... more TM 'app' on the iPhone TM both significantly underestimated the total distance covered compared to the known track distance (2400 m) by 21 m and 18 m along with 70 m and 50 m for each trial and device respectively. Comparing the distance measured with the Motion X GPS TM on the iPhone TM to the GPSports Pro TM , 95% of cases fell within the 95% limits of agreement. Significant (p < 0.001) heteroscedasticity suggests that as the distance increases, the ability of the 'app' to measure accurately decreased. Both average speed and maximal speed for the iPhone TM 'app' showed acceptable agreement when compared with GPSports Pro TM with 96% and 95% of cases falling within the 95% limits of agreement respectively. Discussion: Overall, the Motion X GPS TM 'app' used on an iPhone TM provides an acceptable error for monitoring communitybased physical activity over 2.4 km compared with a sport specific GPS. The low-cost of the Motion X GPS TM 'app' compared with sport specific options is a major benefit and may allow an accessible alternative for monitoring physical activity in the community, but is unlikely to be suitable for measurement research or high level sports performance analysis.
Disability and Rehabilitation, Jan 7, 2019
(2019): "Stay balanced"-effectiveness of evidence-based balance training for older adults transfe... more (2019): "Stay balanced"-effectiveness of evidence-based balance training for older adults transferred into a physical therapy primary care setting-a pilot study, Disability and Rehabilitation,
Physiotherapy, May 1, 2015
the experienced raters was found to be 0.48 with a novice rater ICC of 0.48 as well. The ICC betw... more the experienced raters was found to be 0.48 with a novice rater ICC of 0.48 as well. The ICC between all the raters was 0.33. Conclusion(s): This constitutes poor reliability. The poor reliability of the technique testing the length of LD was identified and addressed in order for adequate usage thereof, in research and in practice. Recommendations of a new technique to test the length of LD were provided by the researcher. A suggestion was made regarding a manner of testing its reliability. Implications: A reliable technique for assessing the length of the Latissimus Dorsi muscle will add to objectivity and consistency in the assessment as well as the management of human movement related musculo-skelatal conditions.
Disability and Rehabilitation, Jul 3, 2015
Physical therapy, Mar 20, 2021
Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate if mobilization out of bed, within 2 hours af... more Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate if mobilization out of bed, within 2 hours after abdominal surgery, improved participants' respiratory function and whether breathing exercises had an additional positive effect. Methods. Participants were 214 consecutively recruited patients who underwent elective open or robot-assisted laparoscopic gynecological, urological, or endocrinological abdominal surgery with an anesthetic duration of >2 hours. They were recruited to a randomized controlled trial. Immediately after surgery, patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: mobilization (to sit in a chair) and standardized breathing exercises (n = 73), mobilization (to sit in a chair) only (n = 76), or control (n = 65). The interventions started within 2 hours after arrival at the postoperative recovery unit and continued for a maximum of 6 hours. The primary outcomes were differences in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO 2 , as a percentage) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO 2 , measured in kilopascals) between the groups. Secondary outcomes were arterial carbon dioxide pressure, spirometry, respiratory insufficiency, pneumonia, and length of stay. Results. Based on intention-to-treat analysis (n = 214), patients who received mobilization and breathing exercises had significantly improved SpO 2 (mean difference [MD] = 2.5%; 95% CI = 0.4 to 4.6) and PaO 2 (MD = 1.40 kPa; 95% CI = 0.64 to 2.17) compared with the controls. For mobilization only, there was an increase in PaO 2 (MD = 0.97 kPa; 95% CI = 0.20 to 1.74) compared with the controls. In the per-protocol analysis (n = 201), there were significant improvements in SpO 2 and PaO 2 for both groups receiving mobilization compared with the controls. Secondary outcome measures did not differ between groups. Conclusion. Mobilization out of bed, with or without breathing exercises, within 2 hours after elective abdominal surgery improved SpO 2 and PaO 2. Impact. The respiratory effect of mobilization (out of bed) immediately after surgery has not been thoroughly evaluated in the literature. This study shows that mobilization out of bed following elective abdominal surgery can improve SpO 2 and PaO 2. Lay Summary. Mobilization within 2 hours after elective abdominal surgery, with or without breathing exercises, can improve patients' respiratory function.