Addie Middleton

Determining Risk of Falls in Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Using Posttest Probability

Background: Falls and their consequences are significant concerns for older adults, caregivers, and health care providers. Identification of fall risk is crucial for appropriate referral to preventive interventions. Falls are multifactorial; no single measure is an accurate diagnostic tool. There is limited information on which history question, self-report measure, or performance-based measure, or combination of measures, best predicts future falls. Purpose: First, to evaluate the predictive ability of history questions, self-report measures, and performance-based measures for assessing fall risk of community-dwelling older adults by calculating and comparing posttest probability (PoTP) values for individual test/measures. Second, to evaluate usefulness of cumulative PoTP for measures in combination. Data Sources: To be included, a study must have used fall status as an outcome or classification variable, have a sample size of at least 30 ambulatory community-living older adults (≥65 years), and track falls occurrence for a minimum of 6 months. Studies in acute or long-term care settings, as well as those including participants with significant cognitive or neuromuscular conditions related to increased fall risk, were excluded. Searches of Medline/PubMED and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) from January 1990 through September 2013 identified 2294 abstracts concerned with fall risk assessment in community-dwelling older adults. Study Selection: Because the number of prospective studies of fall risk assessment was limited, retrospective studies that classified participants (faller/nonfallers) were also included. Ninety-five full-text articles met inclusion criteria; 59 contained necessary data for calculation of PoTP. The Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) was used to assess each studys methodological quality. Data Extraction: Study design and QUADAS score determined the level of evidence. Data for calculation of sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), likelihood ratios (LR), and PoTP values were available for 21 of 46 measures used as search terms. An additional 73 history questions, self-report measures, and performance-based measures were used in included articles; PoTP values could be calculated for 35. Data Synthesis: Evidence tables including PoTP values were constructed for 15 history questions, 15 self-report measures, and 26 performance-based measures. Recommendations for clinical practice were based on consensus. Limitations: Variations in study quality, procedures, and statistical analyses challenged data extraction, interpretation, and synthesis. There was insufficient data for calculation of PoTP values for 63 of 119 tests. Conclusions: No single test/measure demonstrated strong PoTP values. Five history questions, 2 self-report measures, and 5 performance-based measures may have clinical usefulness in assessing risk of falling on the basis of cumulative PoTP. Berg Balance Scale score (⩽50 points), Timed Up and Go times (≥12 seconds), and 5 times sit-to-stand times (≥12) seconds are currently the most evidence-supported functional measures to determine individual risk of future falls. Shortfalls identified during review will direct researchers to address knowledge gaps.

Effects of aerobic exercise training on fitness and walking-related outcomes in ambulatory individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury

Study design:Single group, pretest–post-test study.Objectives:To determine the effects of a non-task-specific, voluntary, progressive aerobic exercise training (AET) intervention on fitness and walking-related outcomes in ambulatory adults with chronic motor-incomplete SCI.Setting:Rehabilitation research center.Methods:Ten ambulatory individuals (50% female; 57.94±9.33 years old; 11.11±9.66 years postinjury) completed voluntary, progressive moderate-to-vigorous intensity AET on a recumbent stepper 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measures were aerobic capacity (VO2peak (volume of oxygen that the body can use during physical exertion)) and self-selected overground walking speed (OGWS). Secondary outcome measures included walking economy, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), daily step counts, Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI-II), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS).Results:Nine participants completed all testing and training. Significant improvements in aerobic capacity (P=0.011), OGWS (P=0.023), the percentage of VO2peak used while walking at self-selected speed (P=0.03) and daily step counts (P=0.025) resulted following training.Conclusions:The results indicate that total-body, voluntary, progressive AET is safe, feasible, and effective for improving aerobic capacity, walking speed, and select walking-related outcomes in an exclusively ambulatory SCI sample. This study suggests the potential for non-task-specific aerobic exercise to improve walking following incomplete SCI and builds a foundation for further investigation aimed at the development of exercise based rehabilitation strategies to target functionally limiting impairments in ambulatory individuals with chronic SCI.

Self-selected and maximal walking speeds provide greater insight into fall status than walking speed reserve among community-dwelling older adults

ObjectiveTo determine the degree to which self-selected walking speed (SSWS), maximal walking speed (MWS), and walking speed reserve (WSR) are associated with fall status among community-dwelling older adults. DesignWS and 1-year falls history data were collected on 217 community-dwelling older adults (median age = 82, range 65–93 years) at a local outpatient PT clinic and local retirement communities and senior centers. WSR was calculated as a difference (WSRdiff = MWS − SSWS) and ratio (WSRratio = MWS/SSWS). ResultsSSWS (P < 0.001), MWS (P < 0.001), and WSRdiff (P < 0.01) were associated with fall status. The cutpoints identified were 0.76 m/s for SSWS (65.4% sensitivity, 70.9% specificity), 1.13 m/s for MWS (76.6% sensitivity, 60.0% specificity), and 0.24 m/s for WSRdiff (56.1% sensitivity, 70.9% specificity). SSWS and MWS better discriminated between fallers and non-fallers (SSWS: AUC = 0.69, MWS: AUC = 0.71) than WSRdiff (AUC = 0.64). ConclusionsSSWS and MWS seem to be equally informative measures for assessing fall status in community-dwelling older adults. Older adults with SSWSs less than 0.76 m/s and those with MWSs less than 1.13 m/s may benefit from further fall risk assessment. Combining SSWS and MWS to calculate an individual’s WSR does not provide additional insight into fall status in this population. To Claim CME Credits:Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME Objectives:Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Describe the different methods for calculating walking speed reserve and discuss the potential of the metric as an outcome measure; (2) Explain the degree to which self-selected walking speed, maximal walking speed, and walking speed reserve are associated with fall status among community-dwelling older adults; and (3) Discuss potential limitations to using walking speed reserve to identify fall status in populations without mobility restrictions. Level:Advanced Accreditation:The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Balance impairment limits ability to increase walking speed in individuals with chronic stroke

Abstract Purpose Determine the relationship between balance impairments and the ability to increase walking speed (WS) on demand in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods WS and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) data were collected on 124 individuals with chronic stroke (>6 months). The ability to increase WS on demand (walking speed reserve, WSR) was quantified as the difference between participants’ self-selected (SSWS) and maximal (MWS) walking speeds. Correlation, regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between balance and the ability to increase WS. Results Of sample, 58.9% were unable to increase WS on demand (WSR < 0.2 m/s). BBS scores were associated with WSR values (rs=0.74, 0.65–0.81) and were predictive of ‘able/unable’ to increase WS [odds ratio (OR) = 0.75, 0.67–0.84]. The AUC for the ROC curve constructed to assess the accuracy of BBS to discriminate between able/unable to increase WS was 0.85 (0.78–0.92). A BBS cutscore of 47 points was identified [sensitivity: 72.6%, specificity: 90.2%, +likelihood ratio (LR): 7.41, −LR: 0.30]. Conclusions The inability to increase WS on demand is common in individuals with chronic stroke, and balance appears to be a significant contributor to this difficulty. A BBS cutscore of 47 points can identify individuals who may benefit from balance interventions to improve the ability to increase their WS. Implications for Rehabilitation A majority of individuals with chronic stroke may be unable to increase their walking speed beyond their self-selected speed on demand. This may limit functional ambulation, as these individuals are walking “at capacity”. Balance impairments contribute to the inability to increase walking speed. A Berg Balance Scale score <47 points can be used to identify individuals with chronic stroke walking “at capacity” due to balance impairments.

Hospital Variation in Rates of New Institutionalizations Within 6 Months of Discharge

Hospitalization in community‐dwelling elderly is often accompanied by functional loss, increasing the risk for continued functional decline and future institutionalization. The primary objective of our study was to examine the hospital‐level variation in rates of new institutionalizations among Medicare beneficiaries.

Effect of Home- and Community-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Physical Function Among Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of home- and community-based physical activity interventions on physical functioning among cancer survivors based on the most prevalent physical function measures, randomized trials were reviewed. DATA SOURCES Five electronic databases-Medline Ovid, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO-were searched from inception to March 2016 for relevant articles. STUDY SELECTION Search terms included community-based interventions, physical functioning, and cancer survivors. A reference librarian trained in systematic reviews conducted the final search. DATA EXTRACTION Four reviewers evaluated eligibility and 2 reviewers evaluated methodological quality. Data were abstracted from studies that used the most prevalent physical function measurement tools-Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument, European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, and 6-minute walk test. Random- or fixed-effects models were conducted to obtain overall effect size per physical function measure. DATA SYNTHESIS Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria and were used to compute standardized mean differences using the inverse variance statistical method. The median sample size was 83 participants. Most of the studies (n=7) were conducted among breast cancer survivors. The interventions produced short-term positive effects on physical functioning, with overall effect sizes ranging from small (.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], .07-.27) to medium (.45; 95% CI, .23-.67). Community-based interventions that met in groups and used behavioral change strategies produced the largest effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS Home and community-based physical activity interventions may be a potential tool to combat functional deterioration among aging cancer survivors. More studies are needed among other cancer types using clinically relevant objective functional measures (eg, gait speed) to accelerate translation into the community and clinical practice.

Differences Between Skilled Nursing Facilities in Risk of Subsequent Long-Term Care Placement: Risk of LTC Placement of SNF Residents

To determine how the risk of subsequent long‐term care (LTC) placement varies between skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and the SNF characteristics associated with this risk.

Trajectories Over the First Year of Long-Term Care Nursing Home Residence

OBJECTIVES To describe the trajectories in the first year after individuals are admitted to long-term care nursing homes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING US long-term care facilities. PARTICIPANTS Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries newly admitted to long-term care nursing homes from July 1, 2012, to December 31, 2013 (N=535,202). MEASUREMENTS Demographic characteristics were from Medicare data. Individual trajectories were conducted using the Minimum Data Set for determining long-term care stays and community discharge, and Medicare Provider and Analysis Reviews claims data for determining hospitalizations, skilled nursing facility stays, inpatient rehabilitation, long-term acute hospital and psychiatric hospital stays. RESULTS The median length of stay in a long-term care nursing home over the 1 year following admission was 127 [interquartile range (IQR): 24, 356] days. The median length of stay in any institution was 158 (IQR: 38, 365). Residents experienced a mean of 2.1  ± 2.8 (standard deviation) transitions over the first year. The community discharge rate was 36.5% over the 1-year follow-up, with 20.8% discharged within 30 days and 31.2% discharged within 100 days. The mortality rate over the first year of nursing home residence was 35.0%, with 16.3% deaths within 100 days. At 12 months post long-term care admission, 36.9% of the cohort were in long-term care, 23.4% were in community, 4.7% were in acute care hospitals or other institutions, and 35.0% had died. CONCLUSION After a high initial community discharge rate, the majority of patients newly admitted to long-term care experienced multiple transitions while remaining institutionalized until death or the end of 1-year follow-up.

Effects of Acute–Postacute Continuity on Community Discharge and 30-Day Rehospitalization Following Inpatient Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of facility-level acute-postacute continuity on probability of community discharge and 30-day rehospitalization following inpatient rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES We used national Medicare enrollment, claims, and assessment data to study 541,097 patients discharged from 1,156 inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in 2010-2011. STUDY DESIGN We calculated facility-level continuity as the percentages of an IRFs patients admitted from each contributing acute care hospital. Patients were categorized into three groups: low continuity (<26 percent from same hospital that discharged the patient), medium continuity (26-75 percent from same hospital), or high continuity (>75 percent from same hospital). The multivariable models included an interaction term to examine the potential moderating effects of facility type (freestanding facility vs. hospital-based rehabilitation unit) on the relationships between facility-level continuity and our two outcomes: community discharge and 30-day rehospitalization. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Medicare beneficiaries in hospital-based rehabilitation units were more likely to be referred from a high-contributing hospital compared to those in freestanding facilities. However, the association between higher acute-postacute continuity and desirable outcomes is significantly better in freestanding rehabilitation facilities than in hospital-based units. CONCLUSIONS Improving continuity is a key premise of health care reform. We found that both observed referral patterns and continuity-related benefits differed markedly by facility type. These findings provide a starting point for health systems establishing or strengthening acute-postacute relationships to improve patient outcomes in this new era of shared accountability and public quality reporting programs.

Longitudinal Investigation of Rehospitalization Patterns in Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Among Medicare Beneficiaries

OBJECTIVES To model 12-month rehospitalization risk among Medicare beneficiaries receiving inpatient rehabilitation for spinal cord injury (SCI) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to create 2 (SCI- and TBI-specific) interactive tools enabling users to generate monthly projected probabilities of rehospitalization on the basis of an individual patients clinical profile at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN Secondary data analysis. SETTING Inpatient rehabilitation facilities. PARTICIPANTS Medicare beneficiaries receiving inpatient rehabilitation for SCI (n=2587) or TBI (n=10,864). INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Monthly rehospitalization (yes/no) based on Medicare claims. RESULTS Results are summarized through computer-generated interactive tools, which plot individual level trajectories of rehospitalization probabilities over time. Factors associated with the probability of rehospitalization over time are also provided, with different combinations of these factors generating different individual level trajectories. Four case studies are presented to demonstrate the variability in individual risk trajectories. Monthly rehospitalization probabilities for the individual high-risk TBI and SCI cases declined from 33% to 15% and from 41% to 18%, respectively, over time, whereas the probabilities for the individual low-risk cases were much lower and stable over time: 5% to 2% and 6% to 2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Rehospitalization is an undesirable and multifaceted health outcome. Classifying patients into meaningful risk strata at different stages of their recovery is a positive step forward in anticipating and managing their unique health care needs over time.