Alexandrina Lobo

Anciano institucionalizado: calidad de vida y funcionalidad

Aim: to describe and analyze the characteristics of a group of institutionalized elders; to determine the associations between quality of life, mental state, and physical functionality. Material and methods: we performed a descriptive study in a simple random sample composed of 79 institutionalized elders (53 women and 26 men) with a Mini-Mental State Examination score higher than 24 points and able to take exercises. Measures: anthropometric measurements, Barthel’s scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, SF-36 and Functional Fitness Test. Statistical analysis: the correlations between the distinct variables were established with a confidence level of 95% (P<.05). Results: the mean age was 71.2 (7.0) years. Quality of life, mental state and physical functionality were more favorable in men. Flexibility was greater in women while strength and aerobic resistance were greater in men. Quality of life was associated with dependency levels (r=0.726), physical performance (r=0.492) and mental state (r=0.355). The level of dependency was associated with mental state (r=0.574). Conclusion: quality of life in institutionalized elders seems to be associated with dependency levels, mental state, and functionality. Therefore, these factors should be maintained on admission to a nursing home.

Effects of Training and Detraining on Physical Fitness, Physical Activity Patterns, Cardiovascular Variables, and HRQoL after 3 Health-Promotion Interventions in Institutionalized Elders.

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of different strategies of health on the levels of physical activity (PA), physical fitness (PF), cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and quality of life (QoL) of the institutionalized elderly. Concurrently studies were made of the effect of detraining on these same variables. In this investigation we carried out a prospective longitudinal study with an experimental design, with 1 year plus 3 months of a detraining period. Methodology. (a) A questionnaire with socio-demographic characteristics and a QoL scale (MOS SF-36); (b) Functional Fitness Test to assess PF; (c) An MTI Actigraph to evaluate the PA; (d) Biochemical analysis of blood, blood pressure and bio-impedance. The Main Results Indicated That: (i) ST significantly improved strength and body flexibility and AT the aerobic endurance, agility/dynamic balance and lower strength and flexibility; (ii) Implications of detraining were more evident on the PA groups in the lower body flexibility, which is associated with agility/dynamic balance and lower strength in the AT group; (iii) Cardiovascular variables improved significantly especially blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose in the ST and HDL in the AT group; not having undergone significant changes with the detraining. The results of this thesis contribute positively to highlight the importance of PA in the promotion of health, prevention and reduction of CVD risk factors and the improvement of the PF and QoL.

Qualidade de vida dos utentes dos cuidados de saúde primários do distrito de Vila Real

Theoretical framework: The Quality of Life (QoL) is determined by functional status and health condition, depending largely on individual, socio-economic a...

Preservação da privacidade em hemodiálise: perceção dos enfermeiros

Theoretical framework: In haemodialysis, nurses tend to directtheir attention towards the technical procedures, often ignoring thepatients’ feelings and priv...