Contractures in Frail Nursing Home Residents

Effects of Acupotomy on Immobilization-Induced Gastrocnemius Contracture and Fibrosis in Rats via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether acupotomy ameliorates immobilization-induced muscle contracture and fibrosis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

METHODS

Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6) by a random number table, including control, immobilization, passive stretching, acupotomy, and acupotomy 3 weeks (3-w) groups. The rat model of gastrocnemius contracture was established by immobilizing the right hind limb in plantar flexion for 4 weeks. Rats in the passive stretching group received passive stretching at gastrocnemius, a daily series of 10 repetitions for 30 s each at 30-s intervals for 10 consecutive days. Rats in the acupotomy and acupotomy 3-w groups received acupotomy once and combined with passive stretching at gastrocnemius a daily series of 10 repetitions for 30 s each at 30-s intervals for 10 consecutive days. Additionally, rats in the acupotomy 3-w group were allowed to walk freely for 3 weeks after 10-day therapy. After treatment, range of motion (ROM), gait analysis [i.e., paw area, stance/swing and maximum ratio of paw area to paw area duration (Max dA/dT)], gastrocnemius wet weight and the ratio of muscle wet weight to body weight (MWW/BW) were tested. Gastrocnemius morphometric and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Fibrosis-related mRNA expressions (i.e., Wnt 1, β-catenin, axin-2, α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and types I and III collagen) were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Wnt 1, β-catenin and fibronectin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Types I and III collagen in the perimysium and endomysium were analyzed using immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, ROM, gait function, muscle weight, MWW/BW and CSA were significantly decreased in the immobilization group (all P<0.01), while protein levels of types I and III collagen, Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes were obviously increased (all P<0.01). Treatment with passive stretching or acupotomy restored ROM and gait function and increased muscle wet weight, MWW/BW and CSA (all P<0.05), while protein expression levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes were remarkably declined compared with the immobilization group (all P<0.05). Compared with passive stretching group, ROM, gait function, MWW was remarkably restored (all P<0.05), and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes as well as protein expression levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen in the acupotomy group were obviously decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with the acupotomy group, ROM, paw area, Max dA/dT, and MWW were restored (all P<0.05), and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes along with protein levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen in the acupotomy 3-w group were decreased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Improvements in motor function, muscle contractures, and muscle fibrosis induced by acupotomy correlates with the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

The Delphi of ORACLE: An Expert Consensus Survey for the Development of the Observational Risk Assessment of Contractures (Longitudinal Evaluation)

OBJECTIVE

Despite rising prevalence rates, no standard tool is available to identify individuals at risk of developing contractures. This study aimed to gain expert consensus on items for the development of the Observational Risk Assessment Tool for Contractures: Longitudinal Evaluation (ORACLE) for care home residents.

DESIGN

A two-round, online modified Delphi study.

PARTICIPANTS

Panellists were qualified healthcare professionals with a background in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and rehabilitation medicine.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

In the first round, the experts were asked to rate the predesigned list of items on a Likert scale while in the second round, consensus was sought in the areas of disagreement identified in the previous round.

RESULTS

The two rounds of the Delphi survey included 30 and 25 panellists, respectively. The average clinical and academic experience of the panellists was 22.2 years and 10.5 years, respectively. The panel demonstrated a high level of consensus regarding the clinical factors (10 out of 15 items); preventive care approaches (9 out of 10 items), and contextual factors (12 out of 13 items) ranging from 70% to 100%.

CONCLUSION

This Delphi study determined expert consensus on items to be included in a contracture risk assessment tool (ORACLE). The items were related to factors associated with joint contractures, appropriate preventive care interventions, and potentially relevant contextual factors associated with care home settings. The promise of a risk assessment tool that includes these items has the capacity to reduce the risk of contracture development or progression and to trigger timely and appropriate referrals to help prevent further loss of function and independence.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Limited Range of Motion in the Older Bedridden Patients

Background

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between physical activity and contracture in older patients confined to bed in long-term care (LTC) facilities.

Methods

Patients wore ActiGraph GT3X+ for 8 hours on their wrists, and vector magnitude (VM) counts were obtained as the amount of activity. The passive range of motion (ROM) of joints was measured. The severity of ROM restriction classified, as the tertile value of the reference ROM of each joint, was scored 1-3 points. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (Rs) were used to measure the association between the VM counts per day and ROM restrictions.

Results

The sample comprised 128 patients with a mean (SD) age of 84.8 (8.8) years. The mean (SD) of VM was 84574.6 (115195.2) per day. ROM restriction was observed in most joints and movement directions. ROMs in all joints and movement directions, except wrist flexion and hip abduction, were significantly correlated with VM. Furthermore, the VM and ROM severity scores showed a significant negative correlation (Rs = -0.582, p < .0001).

Conclusions

A significant correlation between the physical activity and ROM restrictions indicates that a decrease in the amount of physical activity could be one of the causes of contracture.

Relationship Between Muscle Quality or Stiffness Measured by Ultrasonography and Range of Motion in Hospitalized Older Adults

Older adults who require nursing care have joint contractures characterized by limited range of motion (ROM). The present study investigated age-related muscle changes using ultrasonography and the relationship between ROM and muscle changes in older adults. Twenty-two healthy young adults (mean age: 23.3 y) and 60 hospitalized older adults (mean age: 86.1 y) participated. ROM of hip abduction was measured using a goniometer. Echo intensity (EI), reflecting interstitial fibrous tissue or fat within adductor longus (ADDl) was measured using B-mode ultrasonography, and strain ratio (SR), reflecting ADDl stiffness, was measured by strain elastography. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's correlation test were used for analysis. The ROM and SR of older adults were significantly lower than those of young adults (both p values <0.001). The EI was significantly higher in older adults than in young adults (p < 0.001). In older adults, the SR was moderately correlated with ROM (ρ = 0.49, p < 0.001). In conclusion, limited ROM and increase in interstitial fibrous tissue or fat and stiffness occur with aging, and the SR measured by strain elastography is useful for investigating the effect of muscle stiffness on the ROM of hospitalized older adults.

Real-world Medicare Healthcare Costs of Patients with Dupuytren's Contracture Treated with Collagenase or Fasciectomy

Background

Our study aimed to compare real-world healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and healthcare cost (HC) of Medicare-insured patients (≥65 years old) with Dupuytren's contracture (DC) treated with Clostridium histolyticum (collagenase) or fasciectomy.

Methods

DC patients treated with collagenase or fasciectomy between July 2011 and June 2017 were identified using the IBM MarketScan Medicare Supplemental Database. The index date was the date of the first procedure. Demographic characteristics were captured on the index date, and comorbidities were assessed during the 24-month preindex period. HRU and HC were analyzed throughout the 12-month postindex period. Patients were matched using propensity score weights. Gamma log-linked generalized linear models were used to evaluate HC drivers.

Results

Out of 37,374 DC patients, 2911 received collagenase, while 6258 underwent fasciectomy. Postmatching, the total average annual HC was similar between collagenase and fasciectomy ($7271 versus $6220, P = 0.357). When HCs were stratified by the service provider, outpatient facility and physician office costs were lower in the collagenase cohort ($850 versus $1284, P = 0.047 and $546 versus $1001, P < 0.001). The costs of professional services were significantly higher than in the fasciectomy cohort due to the cost of collagenase injection ($1682 versus $629, P < 0.001). The HRU was similar between cohorts, except for more frequent outpatient facility visits in fasciectomy patients (12.3 versus 22.9, P < 0.001). Generalized linear model revealed Charlson comorbidity index, plan type, patients' residence region, sleep disorder, and hyperlipidemia as significant predictors of total HC.

Conclusion

This study found comparable total annual HC and HRU between collagenase- and fasciectomy-treated Medicare patients.

Factors associated with joint contractures in adults: a systematic review with narrative synthesis

PURPOSE

The primary objective of the review was to collate the available evidence on factors associated with joint contractures in adults.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, and EMBASE. Studies that involved participants aged ≥18 and assessed joint contracture as a primary or secondary outcome were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies against the eligibility criteria, performed data extraction, and assessed the quality of evidence. A narrative synthesis by domain and sub-domain was undertaken. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO: CRD42019145079.

RESULTS

Forty-seven studies were included in the review. Identified factors were broadly classified into three major domains: sociodemographic factors, physical factors, and proxies for bed confinement. Sociodemographic factors were not associated with joint contractures. Functional ability, pain, muscle weakness, physical mobility, and bed confinement provided the most consistent evidence of association with joint contractures. The evidence regarding the relationship between spasticity and joint contractures remains unclear. Other factors might be important, but there was insufficient evidence to make inferences.

CONCLUSIONS

The review identified and collated evidence on factors associated with joint contractures, which can be utilised to develop effective prevention and management strategies. Implications for rehabilitationClinical interventions based on the timely identification of risks related to joint contractures in vulnerable adults have the potential to prevent or ameliorate their development or progression.Quality and consistency of care for vulnerable adults would be enhanced by developing effective joint contracture prevention and rehabilitation strategies based on the evidence presented in this review.As many vulnerable adults are located in the community or non-acute care settings, strategies should target these loci of care.Structured risk assessments that can support non-physiotherapy staff working in these loci of care to identify risks related to joint contractures would provide an important resource for risk management.

Associations among quality of life, activities, and participation in elderly residents with joint contractures in long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Joint contractures and degenerative osteoarthritis are the most common joint diseases in the elderly population, can lead to limited mobility in elderly individuals, can exacerbate symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and disability, and can interfere with social participation and quality of life, thus affecting mental health. However, relevant studies on this topic are very limited. This study describes the associations of joint contracture categories and sites in elderly residents in long-term care facilities with their quality of life, activities, and participation.

METHODS

Elderly individuals with joint contractures who were residents in long-term care facilities were recruited. The World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 were used to survey the participants. Correlations, multiple linear regressions, and multiple analyses of variance, with joint contractures as the response variable, were used in the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The final statistical analysis included 232 participants. The explanatory power of contracture sites on activities and participation had a moderate strength of association (η2 = .113). Compared with elderly residents with joint contractures and osteoarthritis isolated to the upper limbs, those with joint contractures and osteoarthritis in both the upper and lower limbs had significantly worse activity and participation limitations. No significant differences in activity and participation were found between elderly residents with joint contractures affecting only the upper limbs and those with joint contractures affecting only the lower limbs (F1,226 = 2.604 and F1,226 = 0.674, nonsignificant). Osteoarthritis had the greatest impact on activity limitations and participation restrictions among elderly residents with joint contractures affecting both the upper and lower limbs (F1,226 = 6.251, p = .014).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly residents in long-term care facilities belonging to minority groups, with a history of stroke, and with osteoarthritis are at a high risk of developing activity limitations and participation restrictions. Moreover, compared with other contraction sites, regardless of osteoarthritis, joint contractures affecting both the upper and lower limbs were associated with the greatest activity limitations and participation restrictions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number and date: ChiCTR2000039889 (13/11/2020).

Clinical assessment of upper limb hypertonia in central neurological diseases

The clinical assessment of a hypertonic upper limb in central neurological diseases should be analytical, systematic (shoulder, elbow, extrinsic and intrinsic hand) and focused on the patient or caregiver's wishes and on the expected objectives (esthetic, hygienic, functional). Nerve blocks can help to separate mixed contractures, show the existence of antagonist muscles or find a starter muscle in dystonia patterns. The etiology (especially the evolving nature of the disease), general health condition (especially in older adults), associated deficits (cerebellar, sensory and cognitive; hemineglect) are considered together to arrive at a contract with patients and/or caregivers.

Factors Associated with Development of New Joint Contractures in Long-Term Care Residents

OBJECTIVE

Limb contractures are associated with poor outcomes and quality of life in long-term care (LTC) residents. This study examined the rate of developing new joint contracture in the LTC residents and associated risk factors to formulate effective interventions in this critical but understudied area.

DESIGN

This is an observational study with data obtained from the Hong Kong Longitudinal Study on LTC Residents between 2005 and 2016.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Trained assessors (nurses, social workers, and therapists) used the Minimum Data Set Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS-RAI 2.0) to collect the data of the residents from 9 residential LTC facilities.

MEASURES

Limb contractures were defined as a functional limitation in the range of motion involving the upper or lower limbs. Primary outcomes included annual prevalence of joint contractures and factors that were associated with the development of new joint contractures.

RESULTS

We analyzed the data for 1914 older residents (674 males, mean age 83.4 years). During the first 5 years since admission, the annual prevalence of upper limb contractures increased from 29.8% to 36.5%, and lower limb contractures increased from 41.5% to 57.4%. Overall, the increment of the prevalence rate of joint contractures per year ranged from 0.7% to 3.2% for the upper limbs and 0.3% to 6.0% per year for the lower limbs. Impaired mobility, presence of neurologic diseases, and older age were the leading independent risk factors for the development of new joint contractures.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Joint contractures are highly prevalent among residents admitted to the LTC facilities, and many residents develop new contractures during the first 5 years of their admission. Immobility appears to be the main modifiable risk factor. Further studies are needed to identify potential strategies to prevent new contractures in this vulnerable group.

The Association Between Pain Perception and Care Dependency in Older Nursing Home Residents: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Maintenance of independence is a challenge for nursing home residents whose pain is often substantial. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between pain perception and care dependency in a population of Dutch nursing home residents.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Dutch nursing home residents aged 65 or older, excluding residents with a severe cognitive impairment.

METHODS

The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to rate pain perception from 0 to 10 in half-point increments and the Care Dependency Scale (CDS) to measure care dependency, with scores ranging from 15 (completely care dependent) to 75 (fully independent). Both measurements were repeated after a 2-month follow-up. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to adjust for potential confounders. Missing data were dealt with by performing tenfold multiple imputation.

RESULTS

A total of 1256 residents (65% women, mean age 83 years) were included. At baseline, the median NRS pain score was 3.0 (interquartile range 0.0-6.0) and the mean CDS score was 55.9 (SD 11.5). Cross-sectionally, for 1-point increase in pain score, care dependency increased 0.65 points [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46-0.83]. More pain at baseline was associated with slightly lower care dependency after 2 months (beta 0.20, 95% CI 0.01-0.39). Compared with residents whose pain decreased over 2 months, residents with stable pain or increased pain had a 2.27-point (95% CI 0.83-3.70) and 2.39-point (95% CI 0.87-3.90) greater increase in care dependency, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Pain perception and care dependency are associated in a population of older nursing home residents, and stable or increased pain is associated with increased care dependency progression. The findings of this study emphasize that pain and care dependency should not be assessed nor treated independently.

Implementation of a complex intervention to improve participation in older people with joint contractures living in nursing homes: a process evaluation of a cluster-randomised pilot trial

Background

Joint contractures in frail older people are associated with serious restrictions in participation. We developed the Participation Enabling CAre in Nursing (PECAN) intervention, a complex intervention to enable nurses to promote participation in nursing home residents with joint contractures. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of the implementation strategy and to identify enablers and barriers for a successful implementation.

Methods

The implementation of PECAN was investigated in a 6-month pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial (c-RCT). As a key component of the implementation strategy, nominated nurses were trained as facilitators in a one-day workshop and supported by peer-mentoring (visit, telephone counselling). A mixed-methods approach was conducted in conjunction with the pilot trial and guided by a framework for process evaluations of c-RCTs. Data were collected using standardised questionnaires (nursing staff), documentation forms, problem-centred qualitative interviews (facilitators, therapists, social workers, relatives, peer-mentors), and a group discussion (facilitators). A set of predefined criteria on the nursing home level was examined. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis.

Results

Seven nursing homes (n = 4 intervention groups, n = 3 control groups) in two regions of Germany took part in the study. Facilitators responded well to the qualification measures (workshop participation: 14/14; workshop rating: “good”; peer-mentor visit participation: 10/14). The usage of peer-mentoring via telephone varied (one to seven contacts per nursing home). Our implementation strategy was not successful in connection with supplying the intervention to all the nurses. The clear commitment of the entire nursing home and the respect for the expertise of different healthcare professionals were emphasised as enablers, whereas a lack of impact on organisational conditions and routines and a lack of time and staff competence were mentioned as barriers.

Conclusion

The PECAN intervention was delivered as planned to the facilitators but was unable to produce comprehensive changes in the nursing homes and subsequently for the residents. Strategies to systematically include the management and the nursing team from the beginning are needed to support the facilitators during implementation in the main trial.

Trial registration

German clinical trials register, DRKS00010037. Registered 12 February 2016.

Improved participation of older people with joint contractures living in nursing homes: feasibility of study procedures in a cluster-randomised pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Acquired joint contractures have a significant impact on functioning and quality of life in nursing home residents. There is very limited evidence on measures for prevention and treatment of disability due to joint contractures. We have developed the PECAN intervention (Participation Enabling CAre in Nursing) to improve social participation in nursing home residents. A cluster-randomised pilot trial was conducted to assess the feasibility of study procedures in preparation for a main trial according to the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework.

METHODS

Nursing homes in two regions of Germany were randomly allocated either to the intervention or optimised standard care (control group). All residents with joint contractures aged > 65 years were eligible for the study. The residents' data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews by blinded assessors at baseline, after 3 and 6 months. The primary outcome was social participation, measured by a subscale of the PaArticular Scales. Secondary outcomes included activities and instrumental activities of daily living, health-related quality of life, falls and fall-related consequences. Data on the trial feasibility were collected via documentation forms.

RESULTS

Seven out of 12 nursing homes agreed to participate and remained in the trial. Of 265 residents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 129 were randomised either to the intervention (n = 64) or control group (n = 65) and analysed. A total of 109 (85%) completed the trial after 6 months. The mean age was 85.7 years (SD 7.0), 80% were women. The severity of the residents' disability differed across the clusters. The completion rate was high (> 95%), apart from the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Some items of the PaArticular Scales were not easily understood by residents. The frequency of falls did not differ between study groups.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirmed the feasibility of the overall study design. We also revealed the need to improve the procedures for the recruitment of residents and for data collection before implementation into a main trial. The next step will be an adequately powered main trial to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German clinical trials register, ID: DRKS00010037 . Registered on 12 February 2016.

Nursing Home Quality and Financial Performance: Is There a Business Case for Quality?

This study examines the relationship between nursing home quality and financial performance to assess whether there is a business case for quality. Secondary data sources included the Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR), Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER), Medicare Cost Reports, Minimum Data Set (MDS 2.0), Area Resource File (ARF), and LTCFocus for all free-standing, nongovernment nursing homes for 2000 to 2014. Data were analyzed using panel data linear regression with facility and year fixed effects. The dependent variable, financial performance, consisted of the operating margin. The independent variables comprised nursing home quality measures that capture the three dimensions of Donabedian's structure-process-outcomes framework: structure Registered Nurse (RN) hours per resident day, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) hours per resident day, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) hours per resident day, RN skill mix), process (facility-acquired restraints, facility-acquired catheters, pressure ulcer prevention, and restorative ambulation), and outcomes (facility-acquired contractures, facility-acquired pressure ulcers, hospitalizations per resident, rehospitalizations, and health deficiencies). Control variables included size, average acuity index, market competition, per capita income, and Medicare Advantage penetration rate. This study found that the operating margin was lower in nursing homes that reported higher LPN hours per resident day and higher RN skill mix (structure); higher use of catheters, lower pressure ulcer prevention, and lower restorative ambulation (process); and more residents with contractures, pressure ulcers, hospitalizations and health deficiencies (outcomes). The results suggest that there is a business case for quality, whereas nursing homes that have better processes and outcomes of care perform better financially.

Prevention of contractures in older people living in long-term care settings

Joint contractures, or limitations in the full range of movement of joints, are common in older people living in long-term care settings. They result in physical discomfort, social isolation, loss of independence and increased staffing demands. Studies conclude that the prevention of contractures should be the first line of treatment. This article aims to raise awareness of contractures in older people living in nursing homes and individualised preventive strategies that can be used by nursing staff such as maintaining functional ability, risk identification, stretching and correct bed and seating position.

The PaArticular Scales - A new outcome measure to quantify the impact of joint contractures on activities and participation in individuals in geriatric care: Development and Rasch analysis

BACKGROUND

Joint contractures are frequent conditions in individuals in geriatric care settings and are associated with activity limitations and participation restrictions. As such, relevant intervention programs should address these aspects, and the effectiveness of such programs should be determined by assessing improvement in activities and participation. However, no patient-centred and psychometrically sound outcome measures for this purpose are available so far.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to develop and to validate a new outcome measure, the PaArticular Scales, to quantify activities and participation in older individuals with joint contractures. Specific aims were (A) to operationalize the content of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-based standard set towards meaningful questions and to combine them to a questionnaire and (B) to assess the psychometric properties of the developed questionnaire, in detail to evaluate test-retest reliability, objectivity, internal consistency reliability and criterion validity.

DESIGN

Operationalization was reached by an expert consensus conference and a subsequent expert Delphi survey. Psychometric properties were assessed in a cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS

Nursing homes, geriatric rehabilitation facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

23 experts (nurses, physicians, physical and occupational therapists) participated in the consensus conference and the Delphi survey. A total of 191 individuals with joint contractures (as confirmed by physician, nurse or physical therapist) between 65 and 102 years, living in nursing homes or as patients in geriatric rehabilitation were enrolled in the cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Rasch Partial Credit Modelling.

RESULTS

The consensus conference and Delphi survey resulted in a questionnaire with 86 items of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Test-retest-reliability among those was acceptable (Cohen's weighted kappa: 0.779). The Rasch analysis revealed two independent interval-scaled scales with 24 items for the Activities scale and 11 items for the Participation scale with high internal consistency reliability. Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 for the Activities scale and 0.92 for the Participation scale. Criterion validity was -0.40 and -0.30 for the Activities scale and for the Participation scale, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The PaArticular Scales, a new patient-centred and psychometric sound outcome measures to comprehensively assess the impact of joint contractures in geriatric care, are available now. These developed scales will serve as primary outcomes in a scheduled evaluation of a complex intervention to improve participation and quality of life in nursing home residents with joint contractures.

Quality of life in older individuals with joint contractures in geriatric care settings

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between functioning and disability and quality of life (QoL) in older individuals with joint contractures in the geriatric care setting. More specifically, this study aimed to identify determinants of QoL out of a defined set of contracture-related categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

METHODS

Participants for this multicenter cross-sectional survey were recruited from acute geriatric rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, and community nursing facilities in Germany between February and October 2013. QoL was assessed using the validated German version of the EQ-5D index score and the EQ-5D visual analog scale (VAS). Manual and automatic variable selection methods were used to identify the most relevant variables out of 125 contracture-related ICF categories.

RESULTS

A total of 241 eligible participants (34.9 % male, mean age 80.1 years) were included. The final models contained 14 ICF categories as predictors of the EQ-5D index score and 15 categories as predictors of the EQ-5D VAS. The statistically significant ICF categories from both models were 'muscle power functions (b730),' 'memory functions (b144),' 'taking care of plants (d6505),' 'recreation and leisure (d920),' 'religion and spirituality (d930),' 'drugs (e1101),' and 'products and technology for personal use in daily living (e115).'

CONCLUSIONS

We identified the most relevant ICF categories for older individuals with joint contractures and their health-related quality of life. These items describe potential determinants of QoL which may provide the basis for future health interventions aiming to improve QoL for the patients with joint contractures.

Outcome measures in older persons with acquired joint contractures: a systematic review and content analysis using the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) as a reference

Background

Joint contractures are a common health problem in older persons with significant impact on activities of daily living. We aimed to retrieve outcome measures applied in studies on older persons with joint contractures and to identify and categorise the concepts contained in these outcome measures using the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) as a reference.

Methods

Electronic searches of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Pedro and the Cochrane Library were conducted (1/2002-8/2012). We included studies in the geriatric rehabilitation and nursing home settings with participants aged ≥ 65 years and with acquired joint contractures. Two independent reviewers extracted the outcome measures and transferred them to concepts using predefined conceptual frameworks. Concepts were subsequently linked to the ICF categories.

Results

From the 1057 abstracts retrieved, 60 studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified 52 single outcome measures and 24 standardised assessment instruments. A total of 1353 concepts were revealed from the outcome measures; 96.2 % could be linked to 50 ICF categories in the 2nd level; 3.8 % were not categorised. Fourteen of the 50 categories (28 %) belonged to the component Body Functions, 4 (8 %) to the component Body Structures, 26 (52 %) to the component Activities and Participation, and 6 (12 %) to the component Environmental Factors.

Conclusions

The ICF is a valuable reference for identifying and quantifying the concepts of outcome measures on joint contractures in older people. The revealed ICF categories remain to be validated in populations with joint contractures in terms of clinical relevance and personal impact.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12877-016-0213-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An alternative treatment for contractures of the elderly institutionalized persons: Microinvasive percutaneous needle tenotomy of the finger flexors

BACKGROUND

Almost 10% of older adults in nursing homes have a fixed flexion deformity of the fingers (claw hand). Such contractures have important functional consequences, often leading to hygiene difficulties. Medical treatment (such as botulinum toxin injections, physiotherapy or positioning) is not always effective and surgery is often not possible in such fragile patients. Microinvasive tenotomy with a large needle could be a useful alternative because it can be carried out in an ambulatory setting under local anaesthesia.

METHODS

A single center, retrospective study involving the 2012-2014 database from the day-hospital unit of a neuro-orthopaedic department in France. All patients who underwent percutaneous needle tenotomy of the finger or thumb flexors were included. Outcomes included Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and the distance in centimeters between the palm and the pulp of the most flexed digit (PPD).

RESULTS

Eighteen patients underwent tenotomy (13 women; mean age: 76±14 years); all patients lived in a nursing home. The limb to be treated was nonfunctional in all patients. The principal goal was determined by consensus with the patients and their health-care teams and was most often to facilitate hand hygiene. Eight patients had at least one secondary goal. In total, 10 patients underwent microinvasive tenotomy for 4 fingers, 5 patients 1 to 4 fingers and 3 patients only the thumb. At 3 months after treatment, goals were achieved for 11 patients, 5 patients progressed toward the goal without attaining it, and for 2 patients, scores were worse. The T-scores of the GAS and the PPD were significantly increased at 3 months (P=0.0326 and P=0.0002, respectively). No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Large-needle tenotomy seems safe and effective for treating claw hand in fragile older patients.

Effectiveness and Complications of Percutaneous Needle Tenotomy with a Large Needle for Muscle Contractures: A Cadaver Study

Background

Twenty-two percent of institutionalised elderly persons have muscle contractures. Contractures have important functional consequences, rendering hygiene and positioning in bed or in a chair difficult. Medical treatment (such as botulinum toxin injections, physiotherapy or positioning) is not very effective and surgery may be required. Surgery is carried out in the operating theatre, under local or general anaesthesia but is often not possible in fragile patients. Mini-invasive tenotomy could be a useful alternative as it can be carried out in ambulatory care, under local anaesthesia.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous needle tenotomy and the risks of damage to adjacent structures in cadavers.

Method

Thirty two doctors who had never practiced the technique (physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, geriatricians and orthopaedic surgeons) carried out 401 tenotomies on the upper and lower limbs of 8 fresh cadavers. A 16G needle was used percutaneous following location of the tendons. After each tenotomy, a neuro-orthopaedic surgeon and an anatomist dissected the area in order to evaluate the success of the tenotomy and any adjacent lesions which had occurred.

Results

Of the 401 tenotomies, 72% were complete, 24.9% partial and 2.7% failed. Eight adjacent lesions occurred (2%): 4 (1%) in tendons or muscles, 3 (0.7%) in nerves and 1 (0.2%) in a vessel.

Conclusion

This percutaneous needle technique effectively ruptured the desired tendons, with few injuries to adjacent structures. Although this study was carried out on cadavers, the results suggest it is safe to carry out on patients.

Developing and piloting a multifactorial intervention to address participation and quality of life in nursing home residents with joint contractures (JointConImprove): study protocol

Background: Joint contractures are common problems in frail older people in nursing homes. Irrespective of the exact extent of older individuals in geriatric care settings living with joint contractures, they appear to be a relevant problem. Also, the new emphasis on the syndrome of joint contractures, e. g. by the German statutory long term care insurance, led to an increase in assessment and documentation efforts and preventive interventions in clinical care. However, more attention should be paid to the actual situation of older individuals in nursing homes with prevalent joint contractures, particularly their experience of related activity limitations and participation restrictions. Thus, the aim of this study is 1) to develop a tailored intervention to improve functioning, and especially participation and quality of life in older residents with joint contractures in nursing homes and 2) to test the feasibility of the intervention accompanied by a rigorous process evaluation.

Methods: The complex intervention, which will be developed in this project follows the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework and integrates the perspectives of all potentially relevant user groups, from the affected individuals to clinicians and researchers. The development process will comprise a systematic literature review, reanalysis of existing data and the integration of the knowledge of the affected individuals and experts. The developed intervention including a comprehensive process evaluation will be pilot tested with residents with joint contractures in three nursing homes.

Discussion: The projected study will provide a tailored intervention to improve functioning, participation and quality of life in older residents with joint contractures in nursing homes. With this focus, the intervention will support patient relevant outcomes. The pilot study including process evaluation will offer a first opportunity to indicate the size of the intervention’s effect and prepare further studies.

Development of an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based standard set to describe the impact of joint contractures on participation of older individuals in geriatric care settings

INTRODUCTION

Joint contractures are characterized as impairment of the physiological movement of joints due to deformity, disuse or pain and have major impact especially for older individuals in geriatric care. Some measures for the assessment of the impact of joint contractures exist. However, there is no consensus on which aspects should constantly be measured. Our objective was to develop a standard-set based on the ICF for describing functioning and disability in older individuals with joint contractures in geriatric care settings, giving special emphasis to activities and participation.

METHODS

The ICF-based standard set was developed in a formal decision-making and consensus process and based on an adapted version of the protocol to develop ICF Core Sets. These are sets of categories from the ICF, serving as standards for the assessment, communication and reporting of functioning and health for clinical studies, clinical encounters and multi-professional comprehensive assessment and management.

RESULTS

Twenty-three experts from Germany and Switzerland selected 105 categories of the ICF component Activities and Participation for the ICF-based standard set. The largest number of categories was selected from the chapter Mobility (50 categories, 47.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

The standard set for older individuals with joint contractures provides health professionals with a standard for describing patients' activity limitations and participation restrictions. The standard set also provides a common basis for the development of patient-centered measures and intervention programs. The preliminary version of the ICF-based standard set will be tested in subsequent studies with regard to its psychometric properties.

Impact of joint contractures on functioning and social participation in older individuals--development of a standard set (JointConFunctionSet): study protocol

Background

Joint contractures are frequent in older individuals in geriatric care settings. Even though they are used as indicator of quality of care, there is neither a common standard to describe functioning and disability in patients nor an established standardized assessment to describe and quantify the impact of joint contractures on patients’ functioning. Thus, the aim of our study is (1) to develop a standard set for the assessment of the impact of joint contractures on functioning and social participation in older individuals and (2) to develop and validate a standardized assessment instrument for describing and quantifying the impact of joint contractures on the individuals’ functioning.

Methods

The standard set for joint contractures integrate the perspectives of all potentially relevant user groups, from the affected individuals to clinicians and researchers. The development of this set follows the methodology to develop an International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set and involves a formal decision-making and consensus process. Evidence from four preparatory studies will be integrated including qualitative interviews with patients, a systematic review of the literature, a survey with health professionals, and a cross sectional study with patients affected by joint contractures. The assessment instrument will be developed using item-response-theory models. The instrument will be validated.

Discussion

The standard set for joint contractures will provide a list of aspects of functioning and health most relevant for older individuals in geriatric care settings with joint contractures. This list will describe body functions, body structures, activities and participation and related environmental factors. This standard set will define what aspects of functioning should be assessed in individuals with joint contractures and will be the basis of the new assessment instrument to evaluate the impact of joint contractures on functioning and social participation.

The urban-rural disparity in nursing home quality indicators: the case of facility-acquired contractures

OBJECTIVE

To identify and quantify the sources of the urban-rural disparity in facility-acquired contracture rates in nursing homes.

DATA SOURCES

Survey inspection data of U.S. nursing homes from 1999 to 2008 and standardized national rural definition file from the Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes.

STUDY DESIGN

We estimated regressions of facility-level contracture rate as a function of urban-rural categories (urban, micropolitan, small rural town, and isolated small rural town) and other related facility characteristics to identify size of the urban-rural disparity. We used Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition techniques to determine the extent to which the disparity is attributable to the differences in facility and aggregate resident characteristics.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Rural nursing homes have higher contracture rates than urban nursing homes. About half of the urban-rural disparity is explained by differences in observable characteristics among urban and rural nursing homes. Differences in staffing levels explain less than 5 percent of the disparity, case-mix explains 6-8 percent, and structure and operational characteristics account for 10-22 percent of the disparity.

CONCLUSION

While a lower level and quality of staffing are a concern for rural nursing homes, facility structure and funding sources explain a larger proportion of the urban-rural disparity in the quality of care.

Fragilidade no idoso: o que vem sendo produzido pela enfermagem

Este trabalho visa identificar a produção científica desenvolvida pela enfermagem frente à fragilidade no idoso, a partir de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Scopus. Foram incluídos no estudo 16 artigos, sendo dois publicados em periódicos brasileiros e 14 em periódicos estrangeiros. Constata-se que, dos artigos analisados, 37,5% (6) enfocam a mudança de paradigma quanto ao modelo assistencial e 26,7% (4) destacam a família como cuidadora no contexto do idoso frágil. Pontua-se que o enfermeiro desempenha um papel impar no contexto da fragilidade, no desenvolvimento do cuidado individual e no suporte aos familiares e aos cuidadores dos idosos frágeis.