TY - JOUR A1 - Müller, Martin A1 - Bartoszek, G. A1 - Beutner, K. A1 - Klingshirn, H. A1 - Saal, S. A1 - Stephan, A.-J. A1 - Strobl, R. A1 - Grill, E. A1 - Meyer, G. ED - NCBI, T1 - Developing and piloting a multifactorial intervention to address participation and quality of life in nursing home residents with joint contractures JF - German medical science N2 - 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. KW - Contractures KW - Aged KW - disabled persons KW - complex interventions KW - participation Y1 - 2018 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Regauer, Verena A1 - Seckler, Eva A1 - Grill, Eva A1 - Ippisch, Richard A1 - Jahn, Klaus A1 - Bauer, Petra A1 - Müller, Martin T1 - Development of a complex intervention to improve mobility and participation of older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders in primary care: a mixed methods study JF - BMC Family Practice N2 - Background Vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders (VDB) are common in older people and cause restrictions in mobility and social participation. Due to a multifactorial aetiology, health care is often overutilised, but many patients are also treated insufficiently in primary care. The purpose of this study was to develop a care pathway as a complex intervention to improve mobility and participation in older people with VDB in primary care. Methods The development process followed the UK Medical Research Council guidance using a mixed-methods design with individual and group interviews carried out with patients, physical therapists (PTs), general practitioners (GPs), nurses working in community care and a multi-professional expert panel to create a first draft of a care pathway (CPW) and implementation strategy using the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research and the Expert recommendations for Implementing Change. Subsequently, small expert group modelling of specific components of the CPW was carried out, with GPs, medical specialists and PTs. The Behaviour Change Wheel was applied to design the intervention´s approach to behaviour change. To derive theoretical assumptions, we adopted Kellogg´s Logic Model to consolidate the hypothesized chain of causes leading to patient-relevant outcomes. Results Individual interviews with patients showed that VDB symptoms need to be taken more seriously by GPs. Patients demanded age-specific treatment offers, group sessions or a continuous mentoring by a PT. GPs required a specific guideline for diagnostics and treatment options including psychosocial interventions. Specific assignment to and a standardized approach during physical therapy were desired by PTs. Nurses favoured a multi-professional documentation system. The structured three-day expert workshop resulted in a first draft of CPW and potential implementation strategies. Subsequent modelling resulted in a CPW with components and appropriate training materials for involved health professionals. A specific implementation strategy is now available. Conclusion A mixed-methods design was suggested to be a suitable approach to develop a complex intervention and its implementation strategy. We will subsequently test the intervention for its acceptability and feasibility in a feasibility study accompanied by a comprehensive process evaluation to inform a subsequent effectiveness trial. Trial Registration The research project is registered in “Projektdatenbank Versorgungsforschung Deutschland” (Project-ID: VfD_MobilE-PHY_17_003910; date of registration: 30.11.2017). KW - Critical Pathways KW - Implementation Science KW - Primary Health Care KW - Aged KW - Vertigo KW - Dizziness KW - General Practitioners KW - Physical Therapy Modalities Y1 - 2021 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-021-01441-9 VL - 22 SP - 89 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Müller, Martin A1 - Fischer, U. A1 - Bartoszek, G. A1 - Grill, E. A1 - Meyer, G. ED - Springer Nature, T1 - Impact of joint contractures on functioning and social participation in older individuals--development of a standard set (JointConFunctionSet) JF - BMC Geriatrics N2 - Background Free movement of the limbs is a prerequisite of mobility and autonomy in old age. Joint contractures, i.e. restrictions in full range of motion of any joint due to deformity, disuse or pain, are common problems of frail older people, particularly in nursing home residents. Contractures are among the most unexplored and underreported syndromes in clinical and homecare settings. Epidemiological studies indicate a wide range of prevalence of joint contractures in older individuals between 20% and 80%. This variation is due to different definitions of contracture and varying diagnostic criteria or data collection methods, different research settings, sample size and study participants? characteristics. The aetiology of joint contractures is multifaceted. In older people contractures may be caused by a variety of health conditions and situations, but immobility due to an acute injury or disease seems to be the major risk factor. Upper limb joint contractures may result in loss of ability to dress or eat independently while lower limb contractures may lead to instability and inability to walk independently and higher risk of bed confinement. Joint contractures further increase the risk of other adverse patient outcomes like pain, pressure ulcers and risk of falls. Thus, joint contractures are a major cause for excess disability in older people with a significant impact on overall quality of life and functioning. Preventive and rehabilitation interventions targeting joint contractures may decrease morbidity, increase functioning and quality of life, and, ultimately, prevent long-term disability. In the United States of America, presence of joint contractures is an established indicator of quality of care in nursing facilities. In Germany, joint contracture risk assessment and prevention have recently been defined as a quality indicator of nursing home care that should be regularly monitored by experts from the statutory health insurance system. Nursing homes are obliged to report whether they regularly assess the risk of joint contracture and administer relevant preventive measures. In clinical settings, joint contractures are assessed by measuring the range of motion. However, from a patient- and nursing-oriented perspective the relevance of a systematic registration of contractures in care-dependent older people is unclear unless their impact on functioning is understood. Contracture assessment is only an intermediate step in the evaluation of patient-relevant outcomes such as quality of life, functioning, and the ability to participate in everyday life and social participation. Arguably, a clinical definition of joint contracture is difficult because the contracture?s severity is determined by the consequences on activities of daily living, quality of life and social participation. In addition, there is no consensus on aspects most relevant to the affected individuals. A variety of functional measures is currently used for the assessment and evaluation of geriatric patients. To date, there is no consensus on common concepts for the choice of outcome measures specifically for evaluating the impact of interventions targeted on joint KW - Contractures KW - Aged KW - 80 and over KW - disabled persons KW - outcome assessment KW - geriatric rehabilitation Y1 - 2018 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Müller, Martin A1 - Strobl, R. A1 - Jahn, K. A1 - Linkohr, B. A1 - Ladwig, K.H. A1 - Mielk, A. A1 - Grill, E. ED - Springer Link, T1 - Impact of vertigo and dizziness on self-perceived participation and autonomy in older adults: Results from the KORA-Age study JF - Quality of life research N2 - Purpose The impact of vertigo and dizziness on healthy ageing, and especially on participation, is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of vertigo and dizziness with self-perceived participation and autonomy in older non-institutionalised individuals, adjusted for the presence of other health conditions. Specifically, we wanted to investigate the different effects of vertigo and dizziness on specific components of participation, i.e. restrictions in indoor and outdoor autonomy, family role, social life and relationships, and work and education. Methods Data originate from the second wave of the German KORA-Age cohort study collected in 2012. Participation and autonomy was investigated with the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire. We used robust regression to analyse the association of vertigo and dizziness with self-perceived participation and autonomy adjusted for covariates. Results A total of 822 participants (49.6 % female) had a mean age of 78.1 years (SD 6.39). Participation and autonomy were significantly lower in participants with vertigo and dizziness across all domains. Adjusted for age, sex, and chronic conditions, vertigo and dizziness were significantly associated with participation restrictions in all domains except social life and relationships. Conclusion The results of our study indicate that vertigo and dizziness contribute to restrictions in participation and autonomy in individuals of older age. Recognising vertigo and dizziness as independent contributors to loss of autonomy and decreased chances for independent living may create new options for patient care and population health, such as the designing of complex interventions to maintain participation and autonomy. KW - Aged KW - Aged and over 80 KW - participation KW - autonomy KW - chronic conditions KW - vertigo KW - dizziness Y1 - 2018 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Seckler, Eva A1 - Regauer, Verena A1 - Krüger, Melanie A1 - Gabriel, Anna A1 - Hermsdörfer, Joachim A1 - Niemietz, Carolin A1 - Bauer, Petra A1 - Müller, Martin T1 - Improving mobility and participation of older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders in primary care using a care pathway: feasibility study and process evaluation JF - BMC Family Practice N2 - Background Community-dwelling older people are frequently affected by vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders (VDB). We previously developed a care pathway (CPW) to improve their mobility and participation by offering standardized approaches for general practitioners (GPs) and physical therapists (PTs). We aimed to assess the feasibility of the intervention, its implementation strategy and the study procedures in preparation for the subsequent main trial. Methods This 12-week prospective cohort feasibility study was accompanied by a process evaluation designed according to the UK Medical Research Council’s Guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions. Patients with VDB (≥65 years), GPs and PTs in primary care were included. The intervention consisted of a diagnostic screening checklist for GPs and a guide for PTs. The implementation strategy included specific educational trainings and a telephone helpline. Data for mixed-method process evaluation were collected via standardized questionnaires, field notes and qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, qualitative data using content analysis. Results A total of five GP practices (seven single GPs), 10 PT practices and 22 patients were included in the study. The recruitment of GPs and patients was challenging (response rates: GP practices: 28%, PT practices: 39%). Ninety-one percent of the patients and all health professionals completed the study. The health professionals responded well to the educational trainings; the utilization of the telephone helpline was low (one call each from GPs and PTs). Familiarisation with the routine of application of the intervention and positive attitudes were emphasized as facilitators of the implementation of the intervention, whereas a lack of time was mentioned as a barrier. Despite difficulties in the GPs’ adherence to the intervention protocol, the GPs, PTs and patients saw benefit in the intervention. The patients’ treatment adherence to physical therapy was good. There were minor issues in data collection, but no unintended consequences. Conclusion Although the process evaluation provided good support for the feasibility of study procedures, the intervention and its implementation strategy, we identified a need for improvement in recruitment of participants, the GP intervention part and the data collection procedures. The findings will inform the main trial to test the interventions effectiveness in a cluster RCT. Trial registration Projektdatenbank Versorgungsforschung Deutschland (German registry Health Services Research) VfD_MobilE-PHY_17_003910, date of registration: 30.11.2017; Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (German Clinical Trials Register) DRKS00022918, date of registration: 03.09.2020 (retrospectively registered). KW - Critical pathways KW - Primary health care KW - General practitioners KW - Aged KW - Vertigo KW - Dizziness KW - Physical therapy modalities KW - Implementation science KW - Feasibility studies Y1 - 2021 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-021-01410-2 VL - 22 SP - 62 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Strobl, R. A1 - Müller, Martin A1 - Thorand, B. A1 - Linkohr, B. A1 - Autenrieth, C. S. A1 - Peters, A. A1 - Grill, E. ED - Elsevier, T1 - Men benefit more from midlife leisure-time physical activity than women regarding the development of late-life disability--results of the KORA-Age study JF - science direct N2 - Objective Encouraging physical activity is an important public health measure to reduce disability prevalence in the aged. The aims of this study were to determine the association between midlife physical activity and late-life disability and to investigate gender-specific differences. Method This data originates from the KORA-Age cohort, a follow-up in 2008 of the MONICA (Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Diseases)/KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg) S1–S4 surveys (1984–2001) situated in Augsburg, a city in Southern Germany. We applied a multivariable hurdle model to investigate the association of physical activity and disability. Results We analysed 3333 persons with a mean follow-up of 18 ± 5.5 years. Using hurdle models, moderate activity and high activity had a protective effect on the occurrence of disability (OR (odds ratio) = 0.80 and 0.73), but not on severity (i.e. number of limitations). We observed a strong gender-specific difference in this association, with men benefitting more from exercise. Conclusion Elevated physical activity reduces the risk of becoming disabled and postpones the onset of disability by several years, but we could not show an effect on the severity of disability. In addition, men seem to benefit more from leisure-time physical activity than women KW - Aged KW - Aged 80 and over KW - physical activity KW - Disability evaluation Y1 - 2014 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bartoszek, G. A1 - Fischer, U. A1 - Müller, Martin A1 - Strobl, R. A1 - Grill, E. A1 - Nadolny, S. A1 - Meyer, G. ED - BioMed Central, T1 - 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 JF - BMC Geriatrics N2 - 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. KW - joint contracture KW - Aged KW - Outcome KW - Geriatric rehabilitation Y1 - 2016 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Regauer, Verena A1 - Seckler, Eva A1 - Müller, Martin A1 - Bauer, Petra T1 - Physical therapy interventions for older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders addressing mobility and participation: a systematic review JF - BMC Geriatrics N2 - Background Vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders (VDB) are among the most relevant contributors to the burden of disability among older adults living in the community and associated with immobility, limitations of activities of daily living and decreased participation. The aim of this study was to identify the quality of evidence of physical therapy interventions that address mobility and participation in older patients with VDB and to characterize the used primary and secondary outcomes. Methods A systematic search via MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, forward citation tracing and hand search was conducted initially in 11/2017 and updated in 7/2019. We included individual and cluster-randomized controlled trials and trials with quasi-experimental design, published between 2007 and 2017/2019 and including individuals ≥65 years with VDB. Physical therapy and related interventions were reviewed with no restrictions to outcome measurement. Screening of titles, abstracts and full texts, data extraction and critical appraisal was conducted by two independent researchers. The included studies were heterogeneous in terms of interventions and outcome measures. Therefore, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results A total of 20 randomized and 2 non-randomized controlled trials with 1876 patients met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were heterogeneous in terms of complexity of interventions, outcome measures and methodological quality. Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) was examined in twelve studies, computer-assisted VR (CAVR) in five, Tai Chi as VR (TCVR) in three, canal repositioning manoeuvres (CRM) in one and manual therapy (MT) in one study. Mixed effects were found regarding body structure/function and activities/participation. Quality of life and/or falls were assessed, with no differences between groups. VR is with moderate quality of evidence superior to usual care to improve balance, mobility and symptoms. Conclusion To treat older individuals with VDB, VR in any variation and in addition to CRMs seems to be effective. High-quality randomized trials need to be conducted to inform clinical decision making. Trial registration PROSPERO 2017 CRD42017080291. KW - Aged KW - Aged, 80 and over KW - Dizziness, KW - Mobility limitation KW - Nervous system diseases KW - Physical therapy modalities KW - Postural balance KW - Social participation KW - Treatment outcome KW - Vertigo Y1 - 2020 UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01899-9 VL - 20 SP - 494 ER -