ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effect of Otago exercise on balance and balance confidence in the institutionalized elderly. Methods:From March to June, 2016, a total of 60 participants received Otago exercise for twelve weeks. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Four-Square Step Test (FSST) and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) before and after intervention. Results:After intervention, the scores of BBS, FRT and FSST significantly improved (t > 4.282, P < 0.001), and the number of people with the risk of falling significantly decreased (χ2 = 19.286, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Otago exercise could effectively improve the balance ability and balance confidence for the older adults in nursing home.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Inconsistencies in the use of the vasoactive agent therapy to treat shock are found in previous studies. A descriptive study was proposed to investigate current use of vasoactive agents for patients with shock in Chinese intensive care settings.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A nationwide survey of physicians was conducted from August 17 to December 30, 2012. Physicians were asked to complete a questionnaire which focused on the selection of vasoactive agents, management in the use of vasopressor/inotropic therapy, monitoring protocols when using these agents, and demographic characteristics.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The response rate was 65.1% with physicians returning 586 valid questionnaires. Norepinephrine was the first choice of a vasopressor used to treat septic shock by 70.8% of respondents; 73.4% of respondents favored dopamine for hypovolemic shock; and 68.3% of respondents preferred dopamine for cardiogenic shock. Dobutamine was selected by 84.1%, 64.5%, and 60.6% of respondents for septic, hypovolemic, and cardiogenic shock, respectively. Vasodilator agents were prescribed by physicians in the management of cardiogenic shock (67.1%) rather than for septic (32.3%) and hypovolemic shock (6.5%). A significant number of physicians working in teaching hospitals were using vasoactive agents in an appropriate manner when compared to physicians in nonteaching hospitals.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Vasoactive agent use for treatment of shock is inconsistent according to self-report by Chinese intensive care physicians; however, the variation in use depends upon the form of shock being treated and the type of hospital; thus, corresponding educational programs about vasoactive agent use for shock management should be considered.</p>