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Introduction & Objective: Falls and related injuries in the elderly persons is a problematic subject from different views in the world. Some fall risk factors including impaired balance, abnormal gait and muscle weakness respond favorably to exercise. In the review of literatures, all exercises, have been performed in standing position. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the sitting balance exercises with inexpensive and simple instruments, such as board and ball in the elderly. Material & Methods: Through inclusion and exclusion criteria seventeen volunteer females were selected and one of participants was dropped out due to ankle injury at home. They participated in twenty consecutive days at exercise (each session, 16 minutes) in Kholdebarin center. Balance exercise was performed in sitting position in three different motions by rolling boards on a ball by both feet or each foot alone.Intervention efficacy was assessed by ABC (Activities- Specific Balance Confidence Scale), LSLS (Timed Left Single leg Stance), RSLS (Timed Right Single leg stance), SR (Sharpened Romberg) and 6WS (Six Meter Walking Speed time) scale tests before and after intervention. Results: The participant’s mean age and MMSE were 65 ± 4.7 and 23.4 ± 1 respectively. All the test results revealed significant improvement after exercise. Results of this study showed that this exercise protocol is effective (p <0.05) in improving the elderly balance and the use of team approach is useful to maintain the attendance. Conclusion: Foot & feet exercise on rolling boards in sitting position improved balance in the elderly ladies in a short period of time.

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ABSTRACT Introduction & Objective: One of the objectives of preoperative preparation is evaluating the status of cardiovascular and respiratory systems and determining possible abnormalities. This study aimed at decreasing mortality and morbidity rate, cost of hospitalization and achieving post operative initial respiratory status function. As respiratory problems result in more sever complications, it is crucial to get information about its integrity. Thus, the present study also tried to assess the value of chest x- Ray in comparison to clinical examination for diagnosing pre-operative respiratory problems. Materials & Methods: This is an applied study performed on one hundred patients (53% female and 47% male) in Nikocari educational and therapeutic center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Physical status of the patients was class І and ii based on ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification. Simple improbable method was used for sampling. In this study all the patients were filmed on their chests in radiology department and they were all visited by the anesthesiologist clinically. Results of both evaluations were documented for further decision-making. A questionnaire was employed for data collection. Then the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Patients ranged from 55 to 98 years of age. 31% of them had normal chest films but 30% had projection of aortic arch. In 15% lung hilum was prominent and there was an increase in bronco-vascular view of the lung in 11%. 8% of the cases showed an increase in interstitial tissues. Emphysema and probable engorgement of IVC was reported to be in 4% and 1% of them, respectively. Clinical examination showed that 33% of the patients suffered from pulmonary disorders and the rest were all normal. Conclusion: Because almost all abnormal radiographic findings were also detected by physical examination, it is recommended that, for the preservation of energy and time of radiology personnel, prevention of break-down of chest X- Ray machines and avoidance of imposing extra payment on patients, radiography of chest be specified only for the patients with pulmonary disease and those who have a positive clinical finding. Routine chest X- Ray is also suggested for the patients over 60.

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Introduction & Objective: ECG is a test which is used for diagnosis and confirmation of cardiovascular diseases. Many studies regarding the validity of this test in different age groups have been performed and different results were obtained. This study was performed to assess the role of ECG on anesthesia planning in elderly patients. Material & Methods: One hundred elderly patients who referred to Nikocari hospital in Tabriz for eye surgery were enrolled in this study. Findings of clinical examination and medical history were compared with those obtained from the interpretation of ECG by anesthetists. Results: The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results showed that only 4% of the patients without positive findings in clinical examination had ECG abnormalities 3% had RBBB and 1% had T inversion in pre-cordial leads. It is noticeable that reported abnormalities are not so important on the basis of anesthesia care planning. Conclusion: According to the results obtained, it seems logical to pay more attention to selection of patients for ECG and ordering ECG test only for patients with positive clinical findings.

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ABSTRACT Introduction & objective: Global investigations show that the elderly population is increasing because of the health care developments. However, this group is continuously experiencing health problems for example, depression is one of their major problems. The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of group reminiscence therapy on depression of elderly resident of Shahrekord, Iran. Methods and Materials: This is a clinical trial study. The sample was consisted of 64 elderly referring to retirement centre in Shahrekord in 1385 that were selected by convenience sampling, and then divided randomly into two groups: an experimental and a control group. Group reminiscence meetings for experimental group and group meetings for control group were formed each 8 session for one hour and a half. Depression level of investigated subjects’ pre and post intervention were assessed with the use of Geriatric Depression Scale. Descriptive and conceptual statistics were used for data analysis (Chi-square Test, mean - standard deviation- Paired t-test). Results: Findings of this study showed a significant difference between pre and post intervention, where the elderly depression mean score in experimental group changed from 17.95 to 12.99 (p=0.04) but no significant difference were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Considering the result of this study, it can be suggested that group reminiscence therapy is effective on the reduction of elderly depression level. Therefore, we can use this forgotten, easy and practicable and cheap technique in all nursing-homes and even at home.

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& Objective: The elevated plasma homocysteine (HCY) has emerged as a novel cardiovascular biomarker. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week aerobic training on body composition and levels of serum homocysteine in women aged 60-75. . Materials & Methods: The present clinical trial study was conducted at Imam Khomeyni Cultural Center of Isfahan, Iran, in 2010. After medical examination, 30 elderly women with similar age and weight were randomly divided into two groups: control and experimental. Weight, BMI, WHR and body fat percentage were measured using the body composition analyzer. Fasting blood samples were taken. Moreover, homocysteine levels were measured by ELISA. Afterwards, the experimental group executed an aerobic training on treadmill (walking) three times a week for three months. After three months, all variables in both groups were measured once more.The collected data were analyzed by the SPSS software. Paired t-test and analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that a significant decrease in weight, fat percentage, body mass index, waist hip ratio parameters and homocysteine levels in the experimental group was observed, before and after the 12 week exercise period (p≤0.05) . Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, regular and controlled aerobic endurance exercise programs of 12 weeks, with moderate-intensity of increased skeletal muscle capacity use of lipids, may play an important role in weight control in obese individuals and decrease their cardiovascular disease risk factors.

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Background & Aim: Aging is a biological process influenced by biological, physiological, social and environmental factors. This study was conducted to determine the health status of elderly people resident in Yasouj, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Yasouj during 2008. A number of 428 people, aged over 60, were selected based on cluster and random sampling. A researcher made questionnaire, based on existing literatures and current studies, was designed in four domains known as activities of daily living (ADL), physical health, psycho-spiritual health and status of socio-economic. Its content validity, face validity and reliability were reviewed and confirmed. The collected data was analyzed by the SPSS software version 17 using descriptive statistics such as frequency, tables, the central and dispersion statistical indicators as well as inferential statistics like independent t-test with considering α= 0.5. Results: In this study, the total mean scores of four domains of health were 106.63 ± 6.49 (range 82-134), which has 99 percent of their health status were totally described as moderate. Based on four areas of health status, the mean score of activities of daily living, physical health, psycho-spiritual health and socio-economic status were 23.72± 4 (range 16-34), 25.40± 3.21(range 13-34), 34.03± 4.71 (range 14-46) and 23.71± 4.20 with range of 15-37, respectively. Compared mean scores of activities of daily living and psycho-spiritual health showed significant statistical differences according to age groups and sex variables. Conclusion: Health status of the majority of elderly people in this study was moderate which require further attention and holistic support from the family, community, and health authorities in the field.

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Abstract

Background and aim: With an aging population, considering the factors affecting the quality of life more than ever is necessary. The aim of current research was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive existential therapy on quality of life of elderly people.

Methods: The current research is semi experimental with pre and post test with control group. Statistical population of research consists of all elderly people in Kahrizak nursing homes. In the first phase, the participants were selected through purposive sampling method and after responding to the quality of life questionnaire and obtaining score for enter to research they were divided in two groups of experimental and control (N = 12 per group) using random sampling method.  The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of group counseling based on cognitive- existential approach and control group received no intervention. The gathered data were analyzed using covariance analysis.

Results: There was no difference between pre-test and control groups, but the mean scores of post-test experimental and control groups were statistically significant. and cognitive group therapy improves quality of life is (p=0.001). Therefore it seems that cognitive-existential group therapy increase quality of life of elderly people.

Conclusion: Cognitive Existential Group therapy utilizes concepts such as death, meaning, cognitive distortions and responsibility could increase the level ofquality of life of elderly people. Thus interventions based on this approach could be useful in improving the quality of life.

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Background & aim: With the increasing number of elderly people, the prevalence of physical disabilities is increasing, which has caught the attention of care, health and social systems. One of the common problems in aging is the reduction of balance and posture disorder, joint instability, decreased muscle nervous function, muscle mass, strength, motor endurance, aerobic capacity, and increased incontinence and urinary frequency. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of subarachnoid aerobic exercises on urinary control, balance and aerobic capacity of elderly women.

 

Methods: The present is a case-control study was conducted in two stages: pre-test and post-test. The statistical population of the study were women with urinary incontinence problems in Urmia who volunteered to participate in this research after being called in health centers. Based on the criteria for entering the study, twenty-four women aged 60 to 65 years old were selected. Familiarization with the method of conducting the study was done 24 hours prior to the beginning of the training, and then completed with the consent and urinary incontinence questionnaire. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups of aerobic training group and the control group. In the next step, the participants were asked to complete the health and urinary incontinence questionnaires 24 hours before the onset of the exercise program. The experimental group performed 12 weeks of aerobic exercises and completed the questionnaires again 24 hours after the 6th and 12th sessions. First, the K-S test confirmed the naturality of the data. Data were analyzed by paired t-test and one way ANOVA.

 

Results: No significant difference was seen in the aerobic group after 12 weeks of aerobic training in volume and frequency of subjects (p=1), but in the closed static balance (p=0.001), open eye balance (p=0.001), dynamic balance (p=0.001) and aerobic capacity (p=0.001).

 

Conclusion: Subarachnoid aerobic exercises had no significant effect on the incontinence and frequency of urination in elderly women. However, due to the greater influence on the aerobic capacity and balance of elderly women, it is suggested that this practice be used to improve the quality of life of these individuals.

 

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Background & aim: The prevalence of pain in nursing home residents is 72%, which causes loneliness, depression and disability. Medication in the elderly is not recommended because of its risks. Laughter therapy is one of the complementary therapies that uses the distraction technique. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of laughter therapy on the severity and pain areas of the elderly.

 

Methods: The present clinical trial study was conducted on 55 elderly people in two similar nursing homes in Mashhad in 2016. Sampling was done according to inclusion criteria and random allocation in two intervention groups (28). (N = 27) and control (n = 27). Pain severity was measured by a modified German Short Pain Questionnaire before and after the first and six sessions, and pain areas were measured before the first session and after the sixth session of laughter therapy in both groups. Laughter therapy was performed for 6 weeks, a sixty-minute session per week. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Friedman and T-test and McNemar tests.

 

Results: The mean age of the participants was 73.9 ± 5.1 years. Pain intensity was homogeneous in both groups before intervention (p=0.965), but after each session it was significantly much less in the intervention group compared to the control (p<0.001). The number of pain areas after 6 sessions was significantly lower in the intervention group (p=0.005). No significant difference was seen in the frequency of pain in the two groups after 6 sessions (p<0.05), but in the intervention group the number of people with headache decreased after the sixth session, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.7).

 

Conclusion: Laughter therapy can be effective in reducing the severity and number of pain areas in the elderly. It is recommended that respected welfare and rehabilitation authorities use laughter therapy as an uncomplicated, inexpensive way to promote the general health of the elderly.

 

 

 

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Background & aim: Soy milk is a appropriate source of protein for the elderly as a result of its high absorption rate and amino acids. The present study was performed to determine and evaluate the effect of eight weeks of resistance training and soy milk consumption on lipid profile, body composition and some physical fitness factors in elderly women.
 
Methods: In the present semi-experimental study, 48 elderly women (age 65±2.2 years) in Yasuj, Iran, were selected by targeted sampling method and at that point randomly divided in four groups of resistance training + soy milk (n=12), resistance training + placebo (n=12), soy milk (n=12) and placebo (n=12). Forty-eight hours before and after the intervention, body composition tests, physical fitness and blood samples were taken. Data analysis was performed using dependent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance and LSD follow-up test at a significance level of less than 0.05.
 
Results: After eight weeks, weight, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, TG, TC and LDL-C significantly decreased in the intervention groups, but HDL-C significantly increased (p<0.05). It is worth noting that only in the resistance training + soy milk and resistance training + placebo groups, the percentage of fat decreased and the strength of the upper limbs, the strength of the lower limbs and the maximum oxygen consumption increased significantly (p<0.05).
 
Conclusion: It seems that resistance training and consumption of soy milk as a non-pharmacological method can be an effective factor in preventing and promoting the health of elderly women by improving lipid profile, body composition and physical fitness
 
 

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Background & aim: The difference in the incidence of population transition in the provinces of Iran is accompanied by differences in the indicators of aging in them. The purpose of the present study was to determine the main causes of death of the elderly in the provinces of the country.
 
Methods: The present study was conducted in terms of quantitative method, in terms of applied purpose and in terms of implementation as a secondary analysis in 2021 as well as using death data by age cause during the 2011 to 2017. The cause of death data was taken from the current registration in the Civil Registration Organization and based on the international classification of the cause of death. This data was analyzed by gender and age groups in the elderly population. The Lifespan Age Index (YLL), as a percentage per thousand population, was used to measure the mortality of each disease. The rate of death and the number of years of life lost allow comparison over time, sex and age at the provincial level as standard. The collected data were analyzed using Excel software and drawing appropriate tables and graphs and indicators such as sex ratio, relative difference and age-specific rate.
 
Results: The ratio of elderly deaths to the total number of deaths in the provinces of the country varies from 40 to 72% and displays the difference in the situation of the provinces in the epidemiological transition. The share of causes of death correspondingly varies in the provinces of the country and during the two sexes. In less developed provinces, premature death is more common for men. Deaths from infectious and parasitic diseases are still present in less developed provinces, and the predominant cause of death in the provinces, especially in developed areas, is non-infectious and parasitic diseases.
 
Conclusion: The provinces of the country have different climatic, developmental and demographic conditions that have led to different occurrence of health conditions in them. It is necessary to enter into the aging phase of the population and the prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly, appropriate health policies at the provincial and regional levels in the country to be developed.

 

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Background & aim: Sedentariness and lack of physical activity is one of the complications of old age in the present time. Considering the special requirements of old age, it is very important to pay attention to behaviors that promote health and quality of life in the elderly. The purpose of the present study was to determine and investigate the effect of instructional intervention on the level of physical activity of elderly women based on the behavioral intention model.

Methods: The present semi-experimental study applied a pre-test-post-test method with a control group, which was conducted in 2021 on elderly women over 60 years of age in Sanandaj, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into two intervention (30 people) and control (30 people) groups. The researcher-made questionnaire data collection tool included two sections of demographic information and planned behavior theory constructs, as well as an international physical activity questionnaire. The method of training in the intervention group includes; It was a face-to-face and question-and-answer training that was held during four 45-minute sessions. Collected data were analyzed using Golmogorov Smironov, chi-square and Mann-Whitney statistical tests.
 
Results: The average age of the participants in the intervention group was 70.6 ± 0.7 and the control group was 73.9 ± 8.2. The findings showed that comparing the average scores; Attitude constructs, abstract soft, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention in the intervention and control groups after the educational intervention, a statistically significant difference was observed (p=0.0001). Moreover, the amount of engaging in physical activity among the elderly in the intervention group significantly increased after the educational intervention (p=0.0001).

Conclusion: The educational program based on the theory of planned behavior has increased physical activity in elderly women by affecting the dimensions of control, attitude, behavioral intention, norm mentality and awareness of the elderly.