[Predictors of the fear of falling among community-dwelling elderly Portuguese people: an exploratory study]

Relationship between physical activity, feelings of disability, and quality of life in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify the association of self-reported feelings of disability and physical activity with the impact of vestibular symptoms on the quality of life of patients with vestibular dysfunction. Methods: a retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical, documentary study approved by the Research Ethics Committee (evaluation report no. 4.462.519), with 50 selected medical records of patients diagnosed with peripheral vestibular dysfunction, including a survey of their medical history and results of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Results: the sample’s mean age was 55.38 years, and the majority were females (70%). The DHI revealed a moderate impact of dizziness. Physically active patients perceived less impact of the disease (p-value = 0.0167), while patients with feelings of disability, due to vestibular symptoms, had a greater damage of their quality of life (p-value = 0.0468). Conclusion: physical activity was associated with less damage of dizziness to the quality of life; also, a greater impact on the quality of life was associated with feelings of disability related to vestibular complaints.

Relação entre atividade física, sentimento de incapacidade e qualidade de vida em pacientes com disfunção vestibular periférica

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar a associação entre o sentimento de incapacidade autorrelatada e a prática de atividade física com o impacto dos sintomas vestibulares sobre a qualidade de vida em pacientes com disfunção vestibular. Métodos: estudo documental, analítico, transversal e retrospectivo, aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (parecer 4.462.519), no qual foram selecionados 50 prontuários de pacientes diagnosticados com disfunção vestibular periférica, analisada anamnese e os resultados do questionário Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Resultados: a amostra obteve média de idade de 55.38 anos e predomínio do sexo feminino (70%). O DHI evidenciou impacto moderado da tontura. Os pacientes que praticavam atividade física perceberam um menor impacto da doença (p-valor=0.0167) e, os pacientes que apresentavam sentimento de incapacidade, devido aos sintomas vestibulares, tiveram maior prejuízo na qualidade de vida (p-valor=0.0468). Conclusão: houve associação entre a prática de atividade física com o menor prejuízo da tontura na qualidade de vida e associação entre um maior impacto na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos que apresentavam sentimento de incapacidade relacionado às queixas vestibulares.

Construction and validation of a rehabilitation nursing program for fragile elderly

ABSTRACT Objective: To build a rehabilitation nursing program to be implemented in the homes of frail elderly people and validate it by rehabilitation nurses. Methods: This is a qualitative, exploratory study, divided into two stages. The first corresponded to an integrative literature review that supported the construction of the program. The second consisted of the program content validity stage, through a focus group, in May 2021. Results: Nine experts participated in the construction and content validation of the rehabilitation nursing program for frail elderly. Two focus groups were carried out, and the final version of the program included training in life activities and particularly self-care, strength, balance, coordination and joint mobility. Final considerations: The program reached content validity, with a minimum set of characteristics that it must integrate, now requiring application in Primary Health Care for clinical validation.

Elderly residents in the community: gaining knowledge to support a rehabilitation nursing program

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the socio-demographic and health conditions of the elderly living in the community and describe the pillars for the design of a rehabilitation nursing program in the community.

METHODS

Descriptive, cross-sectional study, with participation of 48 elderly selected by convenience sampling. Data collection took place between September 2018 and July 2019, in a health unit in northern Portugal, using a form.

RESULTS

All the elderly have pathological processes and overweight. Most of them are sedentary, have feelings of loneliness and inappropriate relational behaviors. In the last six months, 25% have fallen at least once, with notable changes in balance, lifestyles and perceived health status.

CONCLUSION

The need for rehabilitation nurses to design and implement active aging programs that ensure individual accompaniment of the elderly by valuing lifestyles, balance training and promotion of social participation was highlighted.