A volunteer-supported walking programme to improve physical function in older people with restricted mobility (the POWER Study): a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Regular physical activity has multiple health benefits, especially in older people. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends at least 2.5 h of moderate physical activity per week. The aim of the POWER Study was to investigate whether volunteer-assisted walking improves the physical performance and health of older people.

METHODS

We approached people aged 65 years and older with restricted mobility due to physical limitations and asked them to participate in this multicentre randomised controlled trial. The recruitment took place in nursing homes and the community setting. Participants randomly assigned to the intervention group were accompanied by volunteer companions for a 30-50 min walk up to three times a week for 6 months. Participants in the control group received two lectures that included health-related topics. The primary endpoint was physical function as measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline and 6 and 12 months. The secondary and safety endpoints were quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale), cognitive executive function (the Clock Drawing Test), falls, hospitalisations and death.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 224 participants (79% female). We failed to show superiority of the intervention with regard to physical function (SPPB) or other health outcomes in the intention-to-treat analyses. However, additional exploratory analyses suggest benefits in those who undertook regular walks. The intervention appears to be safe regarding falls.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular physical activity is essential to preserve function and to improve health and quality of life. Against the background of a smaller-than-planned sample size, resulting in low power, and the interference of the COVID-19 pandemic, we suggest that community based low-threshold interventions deserve further exploration.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register ( www.germanctr.de ), with number DRKS00015188 on 31/08/2018.

Does residential exposure to air pollutants influence mortality and cardiovascular morbidity of older people from primary care?

BACKGROUND

Diseases affecting the cardiovascular system are the most common cause of death worldwide. In addition to classical risk factors of atherosclerosis, long-term exposure to particulate matter with particles of size up to 10 µm (PM10) in the atmosphere has become an increasing focus of scientific attention in recent decades. This study analyses the associations of residential-associated air pollutants exposure with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular morbidity of older patients in a primary care setting.

METHODS

The "German Epidemiological Trial on Ankle Brachial Index" (getABI) is a prospective cohort study that started in 2001 and included 6,880 primary care patients with a follow-up of 7 years. The PM10 and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations in the atmosphere are interpolated values from the study "Mapping of background air pollution at a fine spatial scale across the European Union". The primary outcome in this analysis is death of any cause, a secondary outcome is onset of PAD. Cox proportional hazards regression was used in a two-step modelling, the first step with basic adjustment only for age, sex, and one or more air pollutants, the second with additional risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 6,819 getABI patients were included in this analysis. 1,243 of them died during the study period. The hazard ratio (HR) (1.218, 95%-confidence-interval (CI) 0.949-1.562) for the risk of death from any cause was elevated by 22% per 10 µg/m³ increase of PM10 in the fully adjusted model, although not statistically significant. Increased PM10 exposure in combination with the presence of PAD had a significantly increased risk (HR = 1.560, 95%-CI: 1.059-2.298) for this endpoint in the basic adjustment, but not in the fully adjusted model. 736 patients developed peripheral artery disease (PAD) during the course of the study. There was no association of air pollutants and the onset of PAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis renders some hints for the impact of air pollutants (PM10, NO₂, and proximity to major road) on mortality. Interaction of PAD with PM10 was found. There was no association of air pollutants and the onset of PAD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00029733 (19/09/2022).

The efficacy of short-term bridging strategies with high- and low-dose prednisolone on radiographic and clinical outcomes in active early rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

In active early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), glucocorticoids are often used for bridging, due to the delayed action of methotrexate. We compare the effect of three bridging strategies including high-dose and low-dose prednisolone on radiographic and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Adult RA patients from one rheumatology hospital and 23 rheumatology practices presenting with moderate/high disease activity were randomised (1:1:1) to 60 mg (high-dose, HDP), 10 mg prednisolone (low-dose, LDP) daily (tapered to 0 mg within 12 weeks), or placebo. The 12-week-intervention period was followed by 40 weeks of therapy at physicians' discretion. The primary outcome was radiographic change at 1 year measured by the modified Sharp/van der Heijde (mSvdH) score. Disease activity was assessed by DAS28 (ESR).

RESULTS

Of 395 randomized patients (n=132 HDP, n=131 LDP, n=132 placebo), 375 (95%) remained in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Mean changes (standard deviation) in mSvdH scores of the 3 groups after one year were comparable: HDP 1.0 (2.0), LDP 1.1 (2.2), placebo 1.1 (1.5) units. The primary analysis showed no superiority of HDP vs. placebo (estimated difference of the mean change -0.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.5; 0.4)). At week 12, mean DAS28 (ESR) differed: HDP vs. placebo: -0.6 (95%CI -1.0; -0.2); LDP vs. placebo: -0.8 (95% CI -1.2; -0.5). At week 52, there was no significant difference in DAS28 (ESR) between the 3 groups (range 2.6-2.8). Serious adverse events occurred similarly often.

CONCLUSION

Short-term glucocorticoid bridging therapy at high dose showed no benefit with regard to progression of radiographic damage at one year.

The Structured Delegation of Medical Care Services for Patients With Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

BACKGROUND

In some areas of Germany, there is a shortage of specialist physicians for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Delegating certain medical care services to qualified, specialized rheumatological assistants (SRAs) might be an effective way to supplement the available capacity for specialized medical care.

METHODS

Patients under stable treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were included in this trial, which was designed to demonstrate, in a first step, the non-inferiority of a form of care involving delegation of physicians' tasks to SRAs (team-based care), in comparison to standard care, with respect to changes in disease activity at one year. "Non-inferiority," in this context, means either superiority or else an irrelevant extent of inferiority. In a second step, in case non-inferiority could be shown, the superiority of team-based care with respect to changes in patients' health-related quality of life would be tested as well. Disease activity was measured with the Disease Activity Score 28, and health-related quality of life with the EQ-5D-5L. This was a randomized, multicenter, rater-blinded trial with two treatment arms (team-based care and standard care). The statistical analysis was performed with mixed linear models (DRKS00015526).

RESULTS

From September 2018 to June 2019, 601 patients from 14 rheumatological practices and 3 outpatient rheumatological clinics in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony were randomized to either team-based or standard care. Team-based care was found to be non-inferior to standard care with respect to changes in disease activity (adjusted difference = -0.19; 95% confidence interval [-0.36; -0.02]; p <0.001 for non-inferiority). Superiority with respect to health-related quality of life was not demonstrated (adjusted difference = 0.02 [-0.02; 0.05], p = 0.285).

CONCLUSION

Team-based care, with greater integration of SRAs, is just as good as standard care in important respects. Trained SRAs can effectively support rheumatologists in the care of stable patients with RA or PsA.

Osteosarcopenia, an Asymmetrical Overlap of Two Connected Syndromes: Data from the OsteoSys Study

Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are two chronic conditions, which widely affect older people and share common risk factors. We investigated the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and sarcopenia, including the overlap of both conditions (osteosarcopenia) in 572 older hospitalized patients (mean age 75.1 ± 10.8 years, 78% women) with known or suspected osteoporosis in this prospective observational multicenter study. Sarcopenia was assessed according to the revised definition of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). Low BMD was defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations as a T-score < -1.0. Osteosarcopenia was diagnosed when both low BMD and sarcopenia were present. Low BMD was prevalent in 76% and the prevalence of sarcopenia was 9%, with 90% of the sarcopenic patients showing the overlap of osteosarcopenia (8% of the entire population). Conversely, only few patients with low BMD demonstrated sarcopenia (11%). Osteosarcopenic patients were older and frailer and had lower BMI, fat, and muscle mass, handgrip strength, and T-score compared to nonosteosarcopenic patients. We conclude that osteosarcopenia is extremely common in sarcopenic subjects. Considering the increased risk of falls in patients with sarcopenia, they should always be evaluated for osteoporosis.

Inflammation as a diagnostic criterion in the GLIM definition of malnutrition-what CRP-threshold relates to reduced food intake in older patients with acute disease?

Background/objectives

In the recently introduced GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition (Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition), details of how to classify inflammation as an etiologic criterion are lacking. This study aimed to determine at what level of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) the risk of low food intake increases in acutely ill older hospitalized patients.

Subjects/methods

A total of 377 patients, who were consecutively admitted to a geriatric acute care ward, were analyzed. Nutritional intake was determined using the food intake item of Nutritional Risk Screening and the plate diagram method and patients were grouped into three categories as >75%, 50–75% and ≤50% of requirements. CRP was analyzed according to standard procedures and patients were classified into different CRP groups as follows: 0.0–0.99 mg/dl, 1.0–1.99 mg/dl, 2.0–2.99 mg/dl, 3.0–4.99 mg/dl, 5.0–9.99 mg/dl and ≥10.0 mg/dl.

Results

Of the total population (mean age of 82.2 ± 6.6 years; 241 females), 82 (22%) had intake <50% of requirements and 126 (33%) demonstrated moderate to severe inflammation. Patients with food intake <50% of requirements had a significantly higher median CRP level compared to patients with food intake >75% of requirements (P < 0.001). The group with serum-CRP levels above 3.0 mg/dl had a markedly higher proportion of patients with low food intake; i.e., <50% and <75% of the requirements.

Conclusion

A serum-CRP of 3.0 mg/dl appears to be a reasonable threshold of acute inflammation leading to reduced food intake to serve as an orientation with regard to the inflammation criterion of the GLIM diagnosis in acutely ill older patients.

SAT0135 COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TWO BRIDGING SCHEDULES OF PREDNISOLONE IN EARLY ACTIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (CORRA): A DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMISED, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease potentially leading to disability, impaired functioning, and premature death. Most treatment strategies include the early use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate (MTX) which is considered as an established ‘anchor’ therapy. Since it takes some weeks until MTX shows clinical efficacy, glucocorticoids (GC) are widely used for bridging.

Objectives:

The aim of the study “Comparison of the efficacy and safety of two starting dosages of prednisolone in early active RA” (CORRA) is to compare the efficacy and safety of two standard GC bridging schedules vs. placebo in addition to MTX, following a treat-to-target regimen, in early RA.

Methods:

CORRA is an investigator-initiated, randomised, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Adult RA patients who were eligible for inclusion in the trial if they had a disease duration of less than 3 years and moderate or high disease activity were recruited in one hospital and 18 rheumatology practices in Germany. Patients were randomised (1:1:1) to receive 60 mg or 10 mg prednisolone (Pred) orally once daily (tapered down to 5 mg Pred within 8 weeks) or placebo. The duration of the intervention was 12 weeks, followed by an open observational phase for another 40 weeks. All patients were also treated with MTX (usually starting with 15mg/week followed by a treat-to target scheme). The primary efficacy endpoint was the progression of the radiographic joint damage after one year compared to baseline as determined by the van der Heijde modification of the Sharp score (SHS). Patients, physicians and readers of radiographs were unaware of the treatment assignments. For the comparison of the two GC groups, a non-inferiority margin of 1.3 points of the SHS was set. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, numberNCT02000336.

Results:

Between February 2014 and February 2017, 395 patients were included in the trial, 381 of which had sufficient data also of follow-up visits. A total of 129 patients were assigned to the 60 mg Pred group, 124 to 10 mg Pred and 128 to the placebo group. At baseline, mean age was 58 years, 58% were female, 55% were rheumatoid factor and 52% ACPA positive. The mean number of swollen joints was 12.8 out of 28, mean ESR was 33.6 mm/h, mean CRP 2.2 mg/dL, mean DAS 28 6.0. Radiographic damage was 4.9 as measured by the SHS. In the 60 mg, 10 mg Pred group and in the placebo group, the DAS 28 was 2.6, 3.1, 4.5 at week 4 (p<0.001), 3.1, 2.8, 3.6 at week 12 (p<0.001), and 2.7, 2.6, 2.8 at week 52 (p=0.411), respectively. After 12 months the radiographic progression could be determined in 375 patients. In the 60 mg, 10 mg Pred group, and in the placebo group, the mean progression after 1 year was 1.0, 1.0, 1.1 for the total SHS and 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 for the erosion score of the SHS, respectively. Statistical analysis showed non-inferiority of the 10 mg Pred and of the placebo group in comparison to the 60 mg Pred group. Regarding safety issues, there were 10, 5, 6 serious adverse events and 31, 16, 20 adverse events in the MedDRA system organ class “infections and infestations” for the 60 mg Pred, 10 mg Pred, and the placebo group, respectively.

Conclusion:

The bridging schedule starting with 60 mg Pred reduced disease activity better than the 10 mg schedule or placebo only for a short time. The primary outcome structural damage was non-inferior in the 10 mg Pred and the placebo group in comparison to the 60 mg Pred group. Initial advantages of the higher dose may have been compromised by the long follow-up with the possible escalation of therapy due to the treat-to-target regimen.

Disclosure of Interests:

Dietmar Krause Grant/research support from: Pfizer and AbbVie (Abbott), Anna Mai: None declared, Nina Timmesfeld: None declared, Ulrike Trampisch: None declared, Renate Klaassen-Mielke: None declared, Henrik Rudolf: None declared, Xenofon Baraliakos Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Elmar Schmitz: None declared, Claas Fendler: None declared, Claudia Klink: None declared, Stephanie Boeddeker: None declared, Ertan Saracbasi: None declared, Jochen Christoph: None declared, Manfred Igelmann: None declared, Hans Juergen Menne: None declared, Albert Schmid: None declared, Hans J Trampisch: None declared, Juergen Braun Grant/research support from: Abbvie (Abbott), Amgen, BMS, Boehringer, Celgene, Celltrion, Centocor, Chugai, Eli Lilly and Company, Medac, MSD (Schering Plough), Mundipharma, Novartis, Pfizer (Wyeth), Roche, Sanofi- Aventis, and UCB Pharma, Consultant of: Abbvie (Abbott), Amgen, BMS, Boehringer, Celgene, Celltrion, Centocor, Chugai, EBEWE Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Medac, MSD (Schering-Plough), Mundipharma, Novartis, Pfizer (Wyeth), Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, and UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: Abbvie (Abbott), Amgen, BMS, Boehringer, Celgene, Celltrion, Centocor, Chugai, EBEWE Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Medac, MSD (Schering-Plough), Mundipharma, Novartis, Pfizer (Wyeth), Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, and UCB Pharma

Nurse-led care versus physician-led care in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis (StaerkeR): study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In Germany, the care of patients with inflammatory arthritis could be improved. Although specialized rheumatology nurses could take over substantial aspects of patient care, this hardly occurs in Germany. Thus, the aim of the study is to examine structured nursing consultation in rheumatology practices.

METHODS/DESIGN

In total, 800 patients with a stable course of rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis in 20 centers in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony will be randomized to either nurse-led care or standard care. Participating nurses will study for a special qualification in rheumatology and trial-specific issues. It is hypothesized that nurse-led care is non-inferior to standard care provided by rheumatologists with regard to a reduction of disease activity (DAS28) while it is hypothesized to be superior regarding changes in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) after 1 year. Secondary outcomes include functional capacity, patient satisfaction with treatment, and resource consumption.

DISCUSSION

Since there is insufficient care of rheumatology patients in Germany, the study may be able to suggest improvements. Nurse-led care has the potential to provide more efficient and effective patient care. This includes a more stringent implementation of the treat-to-target concept, which may lead to a higher percentage of patients reaching their treatment targets, thereby improving patient-related outcomes, such as quality of life, functional capacity, and participation. Additionally, nurse-led care may be highly cost-effective. Finally, this project may form the basis for a sustainable implementation of nurse-led care in standard rheumatology care in Germany.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00015526. Registered on 11 January 2019.

Körperliche Aktivität bei multimorbiden Patienten

Große Teile insbesondere der älteren Bevölkerung leiden an Multimorbidität. In der Therapie zahlreicher Erkrankungen spielt körperliche Aktivität eine anerkannte Rolle. Eine wesentliche Aufgabe in der Vermittlung körperlicher Aktivität an multimorbide Patienten kommt dem Hausarzt zu. Zur Gestaltung und Umsetzung von Aktivitätsprogrammen auf Grundlage einer umfassenden Gesundheitsbeurteilung bedarf es allerdings der engen Kooperation mit spezialisierten Berufsgruppen.

The prevalence of falls in adults aged 40 years or older in an urban, German population. Results from a telephone survey

BACKGROUND

Single or frequent falls lead to increased morbidity due to fall-related injury, fear of falling, impairments in quality of life and loss of independence. To assess the impact of falls, prevalence data are essential.

METHODS

In 2006, a telephone survey was performed in a random sample of 1270 inhabitants of the city of Herne, Germany, aged 40 years or older. Participants were asked about falls during the previous 4 weeks and 6 and 12 months, respectively. A fall was defined as an unexpected event in which the individual comes to rest on the ground, floor or a lower level. Participants were also asked about pain and whether or not a medical diagnosis of osteoporosis had ever been made. Standardized prevalences and odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence interval are reported.

RESULTS

In total, 862 (67.9 %) adults participated. Participants were significantly older than non-participants and more often female than male. Prevalences standardized for the population of Herne for at least one fall within the previous 4 weeks or 12 months or two or more falls within 12 months, respectively, were 3.1 %, 12.1 %, and 4.5 %. Women were more often affected than men. A total of 2.3 % participants reported both at least one fall and a medical diagnosis of osteoporosis. The prevalence of falls increased with increasing age and was also related to musculoskeletal pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Our estimates indicate that single and multiple falls affect a substantial proportion of adults in the urban population. Risk groups such as older adults and females with osteoporosis might represent a target group when considering measures for fall prevention.

Falls and EQ-5D rated quality of life in community-dwelling seniors with concurrent chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study

Background

Although recommended for use in studies investigating falls in the elderly, the European Quality of Life Group instrument, EQ-5D, has not been widely used to assess the impact of falls on quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of single and frequent falls with EQ-5D rated quality of life in a sample of German community-dwelling seniors in primary care suffering a variety of concurrent chronic diseases and conditions.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, a sample of community-dwelling seniors aged ≥ 72 years was interviewed by means of a standardised telephone interview. According to the number of self-reported falls within twelve months prior to interview, participants were categorised into one of three fall categories: no fall vs. one fall vs. two or more falls within twelve months. EQ-5D values as well as other characteristics were compared across the fall categories. Adjustments for a variety of concurrent chronic diseases and conditions and further variables were made by using multiple linear regression analysis, with EQ-5D being the target variable.

Results

In total, 1,792 participants (median age 77 years; 53% female) were analysed. The EQ-5D differed between fall categories. Participants reporting no fall had a mean EQ-5D score of 81.1 (standard deviation [s.d.]: 15.4, median: 78.3), while participants reporting one fall (n = 265; 14.8%) and participants with two or more falls (n = 117; 6.5%) had mean total scores of 77.0 (s.d.: 15.8, median: 78.3; mean difference to participants without a fall: -4.1, p < 0.05) and 72.1 (s.d.: 17.6, median: 72.5; mean difference: -9.0, p < 0.05), respectively. The mean difference between participants with one fall and participants with two or more falls was -4.9 (p < 0.05). Under adjustment for a variety of chronic diseases and conditions, the mean decrease in the total EQ-5D score was about -1.0 score point for one fall and about -2.5 points for two or more falls within twelve months. In quantity, this decrease is comparable to other chronic diseases adjusted for. Among the variables with the greatest negative association with EQ-5D ratings in multivariate analysis were depression and fear of falling.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that falls are negatively associated with EQ-5D rated quality of life independent of a variety of chronic diseases and conditions.

[Non-pharmacological, non-technical treatments for musculoskeletal disease: methodological challenges of clinical trials using the example of knee osteoarthritis and falls in the elderly]

Physical therapy modalities are regarded as an integral part of the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis of the knee or falls in the elderly. Guidelines and treatment recommendations promote such interventions. However, the evidence supporting physical therapy modalities is often weaker than that found for drug treatments. One reason is that a simple blinding of treatment assignments by means of a placebo is usually not possible. Another issue is patient preferences that have an impact on the conduct of the study and the interpretation of the results. This article highlights methodological challenges of studies investigating physical therapy modalities, and points out some possible solutions. (As supplied by publisher).

Barriers to physical activity in older adults in Germany: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Data on barriers to physical activity in older adults in Germany are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse barriers to physical activity in a cohort of older adults, allowing comparisons between men and women, and age groups.

METHODS

1,937 older adults with a median age of 77 (range 72-93) years (53.3% female) took part in the 7-year follow-up telephone interviews of the getABI cohort. Participants who stated that they did not get enough physical activity were surveyed with respect to barriers to physical activity. Barriers were analysed for all respondents, as well as by sex and age group for cases with complete data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate differences between sexes and age groups. The level of significance (alpha < 0.05) was adjusted for multiple testing according to Bonferroni (p < .004).

RESULTS

1,607 (83.0%) participants stated that they were sufficiently physically active. 286 participants rated their physical activity as insufficient and responded to questions on barriers to physical activity completely. The three most frequently cited barriers were poor health (57.7%), lack of company (43.0%), and lack of interest (36.7%). Lack of opportunities for sports or leisure activities (30.3% vs. 15.6%), and lack of transport (29.0% vs. 7.1%) were more frequently stated by female respondents than male respondents. These differences between men and women were significant (p = .003; p < .001) after adjustment for respondents' age. Analyses by age groups revealed that poor health was more frequently considered a barrier to physical activity by participants aged 80+ years compared to the younger age group (71.1% vs. 51.5%). This age-dependent difference was significant (p = .002) irrespective of the participants' sex.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides relevant data on barriers to physical activity in older adults. By revealing appreciable differences between men and women, and age groups, this study has implications for efforts to increase older adults' physical activity. Promotion and intervention strategies should consider the barriers and tailor measures to the specific needs of older adults in order to reduce their constraints to physical activity.

Physical activity patterns in older men and women in Germany: a cross-sectional study

Background

Data on physical activity in older adults in Germany is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze physical activity patterns and to explore factors associated with physical activity in different domains, i.e. sporting activities (SA) and domestic activities (DA), in older men and women.

Methods

As part of the 7-year follow-up telephone interviews of the getABI cohort (community-dwelling older adults in Germany), the PRISCUS-PAQ was used to survey participants about their everyday physical activity patterns. Time per week (hh:mm) spent in SA and DA (heavy housework, gardening) was analyzed for men and women. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in order to assess the odds of participating in SA and DA for at least 2.5 hours/week in association with sociodemographic factors, a broad range of physical health-related factors and interview date (season of the year).

Results

A total of 1,610 primary health care patients (51.6% women) with a median age of 77 (range 72-93) years were included in the analyses. Men engaged in SA more often than women (01:45 vs. 01:10), whereas women did more DA per week than men (04:00 vs. 03:00).

Being interviewed in spring or summer was associated with increased performance of DA in both sexes. Participation in these activities was reduced in more highly educated men and women. Living alone increased the odds of sports participation in women, but not in men. Most physical health-related factors were only selectively associated with either SA or DA, in men or women, respectively. The need for a walking aid was the only factor that consistently lowered the odds of being active in both activity domains and sexes.

Conclusions

This exploratory study delivers reliable and relevant data on the participation in and correlates of sporting and domestic activities of community-dwelling older adults for whom there had previously been only limited information at a population level in Germany. Findings are discussed and implications for epidemiological research and health promotion practice are provided.

General practitioner advice on physical activity: analyses in a cohort of older primary health care patients (getABI)

Background

Although the benefits of physical activity for health and functioning are recognized to extend throughout life, the physical activity level of most older people is insufficient with respect to current guidelines. The primary health care setting may offer an opportunity to influence and to support older people to become physically active on a regular basis. Currently, there is a lack of data concerning general practitioner (GP) advice on physical activity in Germany. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the rate and characteristics of older patients receiving advice on physical activity from their GP.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study using data collected at 7 years of follow-up of a prospective cohort study (German epidemiological trial on ankle brachial index, getABI). 6,880 unselected patients aged 65 years and above in the primary health care setting in Germany were followed up since October 2001. During the 7-year follow-up telephone interview, 1,937 patients were asked whether their GP had advised them to get regular physical activity within the preceding 12 months. The interview also included questions on socio-demographic and lifestyle variables, medical conditions, and physical activity. Logistic regression analysis (unadjusted and adjusted for all covariables) was used to examine factors associated with receiving advice. Analyses comprised only complete cases with regard to the analysed variables. Results are expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

Of the 1,627 analysed patients (median age 77; range 72-93 years; 52.5% women), 534 (32.8%) stated that they had been advised to get regular physical activity. In the adjusted model, those more likely to receive GP advice on physical activity were men (OR [95% CI] 1.34 [1.06-1.70]), patients suffering from pain (1.43 [1.13-1.81]), coronary heart disease and/or myocardial infarction (1.56 [1.21-2.01]), diabetes mellitus (1.79 [1.39-2.30]) or arthritis (1.37 [1.08-1.73]), and patients taking a high (> 5) number of medications (1.41 [1.11-1.80]).

Conclusions

The study revealed a relatively low rate of older primary health care patients receiving GP advice on physical activity. GPs appeared to focus their advice on patients with chronic medical conditions. However, there are likely to be many more patients who would benefit from advice.

[Reliability of the PRISCUS-PAQ. Questionnaire to assess physical activity of persons aged 70 years and older]

A questionnaire (Q) to measure physical activity (PA) of persons ≥70 years for epidemiological research is lacking. The aim was to develop the PRISCUS-PAQ and test the reliability in community-dwelling people (≥70 years). Validated PA questionnaires were translated and adapted to design the PRISCUS-PAQ. Its test-retest reliability for 91 randomly selected people (36% men) aged 70-98 (76±5) years ranged from 0.47 (walking) to 0.82 (riding a bicycle). The overall activity score was 0.59 as determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Recording of general activities, e.g., housework (ICC=0.59), was in general less reliable than athletic activities, e.g., gymnastics (ICC=0.76). The PRISCUS-PAQ, which is a short instrument with acceptable reliability to collect the physical activity of the elderly in a telephone interview, will be used to collect data in a large cohort of older people in the German research consortium PRISCUS.