Creativity as a "vaccine" for depressed mood: coping and divergent thinking in young adults

El estado de ánimo deprimido es cada vez más frecuente en nuestra sociedad. Es urgente no solo explorar cómo tratar este problema sino, sobre todo, cómo prevenirlo. El pensamiento divergente puede ser útil para esa prevención. La relación entre el pensamiento divergente y el estado de ánimo depresivo en adultos jóvenes podría estar mediada por las estrategias de afrontamiento. Dos podrían ser las formas más factibles de conexión: un afrontamiento activo centrado en el problema (como la resolución de problemas o estrategias de reevaluación positivas) y la erradicación de un afrontamiento centrado en las emociones (como las estrategias de afrontamiento negativas centradas en uno mismo). El objetivo de este estudio es probar un modelo teórico que establece una relación indirecta del pensamiento divergente sobre el estado de ánimo depresivo. Los participantes fueron 135 sujetos con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 25 años. El análisis estadístico incluyó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Los índices de ajuste para este modelo fueron: CFI = .951, GFI = .960, RMSEA = .067. El modelo inicial condujo a uno final avalado por su bondad del ajuste. Este modelo confirma una relación positiva entre pensamiento divergente y reevaluación positiva y un vínculo negativo entre este tipo de pensamiento y la autofocalización negativa. Ambas estrategias de afrontamiento están relacionadas con el estado de ánimo deprimido. El pensamiento divergente puede facilitar una reevaluación positiva que ayude a ampliar el repertorio de opciones en los jóvenes. También puede reducir la probabilidad de centrarse en la expresión emocional inmediata y descontrolada, los sentimientos de impotencia y resignación. De una forma u otra, el pensamiento divergente puede promover estrategias de afrontamiento que pueden servir como profilaxis para la desesperanza en adultos jóvenes que generalmente está relacionada con el estado de ánimo depresivo.(AU)

The depressed mood has more and more presence in our cur-rent society. It is urgent to explore ways not only to deal with depressed mood but also to prevent it. Divergent thinking could be useful in such prevention. Certain coping strategies could mediate the relationship be-tween divergent thinking and depressed mood. Two are the most feasible ways of connection: active problem-focused coping (like problem-solving or positive reappraisal strategies) and decreasing the odds of emotion-focused coping (like negative self-focused coping strategies). The objective of this study is to test a theoretical model that establishes the indirect rela-tionship of divergent thinking on depressed mood. Participants were 135 subjects with ages ranging between 18 and 25 years old. The statistical analysis includedstructural equations modeling. The initial model led to a final model endorsed by the goodness of fit. Comparative Fit Indices for this model were: CFI = .951, GFI = .960, RMSEA = .067. This model supports a positive relationship between divergent thinking and positive reappraisal and a negative link between this kind of thinking and negative self-focused coping. Both coping strategies are connected to depressed mood. Divergent thinking can facilitate a positive reappraisal that helps to widen youngers’ repertoire of options. It can also reduce the probability of focusing on immediate and uncontrolled emotional expression, feelings of helplessness, and resignation. In one form or another, divergent thinking can promote coping strategies that can serve as a prophylaxis for hopeless-ness in young adults that is generally related to depressed mood.(AU)

Efectividad de una intervención para reducir el miedo a caer en las personas mayores / Effectiveness of an Intervention to Reduce the Fear of Falling in Elderly Persons / Efetividade de uma intervenção para reduzir o medo de cair nas pessoas idosas

Objetivo: las caídas y el miedo a caerse se relacionan entre sí, siendo cada uno de ellos factor de riesgo del otro. Este trabajo pretende analizar la efectividad de una intervención para reducir el miedo a caer y sus consecuencias dado que la aplicación de este tipo de tratamientos ha mostrado resultados satisfactorios. Método: mediante un diseño cuasi-experimental, con medidas pre-pos, se evaluó a 53 sujetos, con edades comprendidas entre 65 y 89 años y que habían sufrido una caída anterior. La muestra fue dividida en grupo control y tratamiento, poniéndose en marcha un método combinado de ejercicios y educación sanitaria para la prevención de caídas. Resultados: se obtuvieron resultados significativos en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, el equilibrio y el miedo a caer, observándose mejoras en el grupo tratamiento. Conclusión: la aplicación de intervenciones para la reducción del miedo a caerse en población anciana se plantea como un tratamiento cuyos efectos serían dobles, pues no solo se reduciría el propio miedo sino que, dada la asociación existente, se reduciría la posible caída por repetición.

Objective: Falling and the fear of falling are interrelated, with each being a risk factor of the other. This study is an attempt to analyze the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce the fear of falling and its consequences, since treatments of this type have demonstrated satisfactory results. Method: A quasi-experimental study with pre-post measurements was used to evaluate 53 subjects between the ages of 65 and 89 who had suffered a prior fall. The sample was divided into a control group and a treatment group. The latter was subject to treatment featuring a combination of exercises and health education to prevent falling. Results: The results obtained with respect to quality of life were significant for health, balance and fear of falling, with the treatment group showing progress. Conclusion: The application of interventions to reduce the fear of falling in the elderly population is proposed as a treatment with a twofold effect, not only on reducing fear itself, but also - given the association that exists - on reducing the potential for falling through repetition.

Objetivo: as quedas e o medo de cair se relacionam entre si, sendo cada um deles fator de risco do outro. Este trabalho pretende analisar a efetividade de uma intervenção para reduzir o medo de cair e suas consequências, já que a aplicação desse tipo de tratamentos vem mostrando resultados satisfatórios. Método: mediante um desenho quase experimental, com medidas pré e pós, avaliaram-se 53 sujeitos, na faixa de 65 a 89 anos, que sofreram uma queda. A amostra foi dividida em grupo controle e tratamento, iniciando-se um método combinado de exercícios e educação sanitária para a prevenção de quedas. Resultados: obtiveram-se resultados significativos na qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde, o equilíbrio e o medo de cair, e observaram-se melhoras no grupo tratamento. Conclusão: a aplicação de intervenções para a redução do medo de cair em população idosa se propõe como tratamento cujos efeitos seriam duplos, uma vez que não só se reduziria o próprio medo, mas também, dada a associação existente, se reduziria a possível queda por repetição.

Using a cognitive plasticity measure to detect mild cognitive impairment.

This study compared performance in two groups of older adults, one healthy and another with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in order to determine whether or not they exhibit plasticity and to analyze whether or not plastic and non-plastic participants differed after a delay. To measure cognitive plasticity, the Spain-Complutense Verbal Learning Test (TAVEC) was applied to a total of 113 participants over 65 who were divided into two groups: MCI (N = 51) and control (N = 62). It was concluded that healthy participants performed better, but impaired participants also demonstrated some capacity for learning and plasticity, and it was shown that these improvements were maintained after a delay. Therefore, TAVEC seems a fitting, simple procedure with which to measure cognitive plasticity, and an effective indicator of impairment.

Effects of a reminiscence program among institutionalized elderly adults / Efectos de un programa de reminiscencia en ancianos institucionalizados

Background: Institutionalization during old age requires tremendous adaptability. Among the main consequences of the difficulty of adapting to the institutional context are prevalent depressive symptoms and low wellbeing. Reminiscence therapy has proven to be among the most effective at minimizing these outcomes. Method: This study purpose was to investigate the usefulness of reminiscence intervention in an elderly, institutionalized sample. Following a group format, the intervention lasted eight sessions and compared a treatment group and a control group, using pre-post measures and a single-blind design. We predicted that reminiscence intervention would have a positive impact on depressive symptoms, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Results: Significant results were obtained, including a drop in depressive symptoms and improved self-esteem, satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Conclusions: We conclude that reminiscence intervention yielded positive effects in institutionalized, elderly participants (AU)

Antecedentes: la institucionalización en el envejecimiento requiere una gran capacidad de adaptación. Entre las principales consecuencias producidas por la dificultad para adaptarse a un contexto institucionalizado destacan la prevalencia de síntomas depresivos y la disminución de bienestar, siendo la terapia mediante reminiscencia una de las que ha mostrado mejores efectos en la reducción de estas consecuencias. Método: el propósito de este estudio fue investigar la utilidad de la intervención mediante reminiscencia en una muestra de ancianos institucionalizados. La intervención tuvo formato grupal, con una duración de ocho sesiones comparándose un grupo tratamiento con un grupo control, con medidas pre-post mediante un diseño de simple ciego. El objetivo de este trabajo es que la intervención mediante reminiscencia produzca efectos positivos en la sintomatología depresiva así como en autoestima, satisfacción vital y bienestar psicológico. Resultados: se obtuvieron resultados significativos observándose una reducción de síntomas depresivos, así como una mejora de la autoestima, satisfacción y bienestar psicológico. Conclusiones: la intervención mediante reminiscencia produce efectos positivos en sujetos ancianos institucionalizados (AU)

Effects of a reminiscence program among institutionalized elderly adults.

BACKGROUND: Institutionalization during old age requires tremendous adaptability. Among the main consequences of the difficulty of adapting to the institutional context are prevalent depressive symptoms and low well-being. Reminiscence therapy has proven to be among the most effective at minimizing these outcomes. METHOD: This study purpose was to investigate the usefulness of reminiscence intervention in an elderly, institutionalized sample. Following a group format, the intervention lasted eight sessions and compared a treatment group and a control group, using pre-post measures and a single-blind design. We predicted that reminiscence intervention would have a positive impact on depressive symptoms, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. RESULTS: Significant results were obtained, including a drop in depressive symptoms and improved self-esteem, satisfaction, and psychological well-being. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that reminiscence intervention yielded positive effects in institutionalized, elderly participants.

Comparación entre ancianos sanos con alta y baja reserva cognitiva y ancianos con deterioro cognitivo / Comparison between Healthy Elderly with High and Low Cognitive Reserve and Cognitive Impairment Elderly

Este trabajo presenta la comparación de las características de sujetos con alta y baja reserva cognitiva, y sujetos con baja reserva cognitiva y deterioro cognitivo, diferenciados a partir del desarrollo de una medida ponderada de reserva cognitiva. Mediante un diseño correlacional se evaluaron 200 personas con edad superior a 65 años, no institucionalizados. Los resultados mostraron, por un lado, que el grupo de alta reserva cognitiva obtuvo mejores puntuaciones tanto en el nivel de deterioro cognitivo como en la medida ponderada de reserva que el grupo de baja reserva cognitiva y, por otro lado, el grupo de baja reserva cognitiva mostró un perfil similar al del grupo de deterioro cognitivo, existiendo solamente diferencias en cuanto a la edad. Las diferencias observadas permiten plantear la medida como una variable que se debe tener en cuenta en el diagnóstico de enfermedades neurodegenerativas y su utilidad para establecer posibles tratamientos.

This paper presents the comparison of the characteristics of subjects with high and low cognitive reserve and subjects with low cognitive reserve and cognitive impairment, differentiated from the development of a weighted measure of cognitive reserve. Using a correlational design was evaluated 200 people aged over 65, not institutionalized. The results showed, firstly that high cognitive reserve group performed better on both the level of cognitive impairment as the weighted average of reserves that the group of low cognitive reserve and on the other hand the low cognitive reserve group showed a similar profile to the group of cognitive impairment, existing differences only in age. The observed differences would support the measure as a variable to be considered in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, and its usefulness to determine possible treatments.

Efecto moderador de la institucionalización en las actividades de la vida diaria y bienestar en el envejecimiento / Moderator effect of living in nursing homes on well-being and activities of daily life in the elderly

OBJETIVO: El envejecimiento con éxito es un concepto multidimensional que se puede evaluar a partir de componentes objetivos y subjetivos como el funcionamiento físico, psicológico y social. El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar el funcionamiento en variables relacionadas con el envejecimiento exitoso en ancianos institucionalizados y no institucionalizados. MÉTODO: Se realizó un diseño de dos grupos independientes, institucionalizados (N=242) y no institucionalizados (N=607), todos de más de 65 años, evaluándose sus actividades de la vida diaria (AVD) y el bienestar psicológico. RESULTADOS: El Índice de Barthel mostró diferencias significativas, siendo inferior la media de los institucionalizados que la de los no institucionalizados. En relación al bienestar, el MANOVA mostró diferencias entre grupos para todas las escalas. En los posteriores ANOVA's la variable crecimiento personal mostró las mayores diferencias y porcentaje de varianza explicada. Se obtuvieron correlaciones significativas de la edad con el Índice de Barthel, y con las siguientes escalas de bienestar psicológico de Ryff: autoaceptación, relaciones positivas con otros, dominio del ambiente y propósito en la vida. CONCLUSIONES: Los institucionalizados muestran puntuaciones significativamente inferiores en AVD y en bienestar psicológico, actuando como variable moderadora, que puede empeorar su situación. La edad afecta de forma más clara al bienestar de los institucionalizados, reafirmándose la necesidad de generar estrategias que mejoren la adaptación de las personas.

OBJECTIVES: Successful aging is a multidimensional concept that can be evaluated from objective and subjective components, such as physical, psychological and social functioning. This study aimed to compare the performance on variables related to successful aging in elderly institutionalized and non-institutionalized. METHODS: We conducted a design of two independent groups, institutionalized (N = 242) and non-institutionalized (N = 607), all aged over 65 years, evaluating their activities of daily living (ADL) and psychological well being. RESULTS: The Barthel index showed significant differences, being the mean of the institutionalized group lower than the mean of the non- institutionalized group. Regarding well-being, MANOVA showed differences between groups for all the scales. In subsequent ANOVA's, the variable personal growth showed the greatest differences and the percentage of explained variance. There were significant correlations between age and the Barthel Index, and the following scales Ryff's psychological well-being: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, environmental mastery and purpose in life. CONCLUSIONS: The institutionalized group has significantly lower scores in ADL and psychological well-being, and therefore living in nursing homes acts as a moderating variable that can worsen the situation. Additionally, age clearly affects the well-being of the institutionalized group, strengthening the need for generating strategies that improve the adaptation of the elderly.

Desarrollo infantil y adolescente: trastornos mentales más frecuentes en función de la edad y el género / Child and adolescent development: common mental disorders according to age and gender

A pesar del incremento en las tasas de incidencia y prevalencia de los trastornos en la infancia y adolescencia, son pocos los trabajos con muestras amplias y representativas de niños y adolescentes con síntomas psicopatológicos. El presente trabajo analiza 588 sujetos derivados por los pediatras de Atención Primaria a una unidad especializada de Salud Mental de Infancia y Adolescencia. Como resultados se observan relaciones significativas entre edad y diagnóstico, de modo que de 0-5 años la mayor incidencia se da en trastornos de conducta, comunicación, eliminación, control de impulsos y trastornos generalizados del desarrollo; entre 6-11 aparecen también los trastornos de conducta seguidos del trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH); entre 12-15 años, trastornos de conducta y de ansiedad; y de 16 hasta 18 años, trastornos de conducta. Respecto al género, existe relación significativa con el diagnóstico, con mayor incidencia en los chicos de los trastornos de la conducta, y de ansiedad en las chicas. Como conclusiones, se indica la existencia de relación entre trastornos y adquisiciones evolutivas en el grupo de menor edad, y mayor incidencia de trastornos externalizantes en chicos e internalizantes en chicas en todos los grupos de edad (AU)

Despite the increase in the incidence and prevalence rates of children and adolescents’ mental disorders, there are few works performed with large and representative samples of children and adolescents with psychopathological symptoms. The present work analyses 588 participants referred by first care pediatricians to a specialized unit for children and adolescents’ mental health. As a result of the study, a statistically significant relation was found between age and diagnosis: a larger incidence of behavioral disorders, communication disorders, elimination disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, impulse control disorders from 0 to 5 years; behavioral disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more common from 6 to 11 years, behavioral and anxiety disorders were more likely at 12 to 15 years; and, lastly, behavioral disorders were more prevalent from 16 to 18 years. With respect to gender, there was a significant relationship with diagnosis: boys had more behavioral disorders, whereas girl had more anxiety disorders. To conclude, a relationship between mental disorders and developmental achievements could be indicated in the younger group. Additionally, externalizing disorders in boys and internalizing ones n girls were more prevalent across all ages (AU)

Deterioro cognitivo leve: método y procedimiento de clasificación / Mild cognitive impairment: classification method and procedure

El deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL) se presenta como una de las entidades clínicas que mayor interés despierta en el ámbito de la neurociencia cognitiva, por la dimensión de sus cifras y la posible evolución de algunos de los subtipos a demencia. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo poner a prueba un método y procedimiento de clasificación del DCL en función de las puntuaciones en las pruebas neuropsicológicas y de su convergencia con un criterio clínico establecido, así como analizar las diferencias entre los grupos resultantes. Tras la aplicación de los criterios de inclusión-exclusión, se evaluó mediante una batería de pruebas neuropsicológicas a 39 personas con edades entre 60 y 89 años. Se establecieron grupos de diagnóstico mediante un criterio psicométrico y un análisis de conglomerados, obteniéndose resultados satisfactorios al analizar la coherencia entre ambos criterios. Destaca la importante cantidad de sujetos con diagnóstico de DCL (43.6% y 53.9% en función de cada uno de los criterios), observándose en éstos un menor nivel de escolarización que los sujetos sanos. Es necesaria la prevención del DCL y la definición de los subtipos, además, el uso de criterios objetivos, con rigor científico y que evalúen diferentes dominios cognitivos, se muestra como un adecuado mecanismo para su análisis y diagnóstico (AU)

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one of the most important clinical entities in the field of cognitive neuroscience, the size of their numbers and the possible evolution of some of the subtypes of dementia. The aim of this study is to test a method and procedure for classification of MCI in terms of neuropsychological test scores and its convergence with established clinical criteria, and analyze the differences between the resulting groups. After applying the inclusion-exclusion criteria, was assessed using a battery of neuropsychological tests to 39 people aged between 60 and 89 years. Diagnostic groups were established by psychometric criteria and a cluster analysis and satisfactory results were obtained by analyzing the coherence between the two criteria. There is a significant number of subjects diagnosed with MCI (43.6% and 53.9% as a function of each criterion), showing them lower levels of schooling than healthy controls. MCI prevention and the definition of subtypes is necessary, although the use of criteria: objective, scientifically valid and assess different cognitive domains, is an appropriate mechanism to be analysis and diagnosis (AU)

[Child and adolescent development: common mental disorders according to age and gender]. / Desarrollo infantil y adolescente: trastornos mentales más frecuentesen función de la edad y el género.

Despite the increase in the incidence and prevalence rates of children and adolescents' mental disorders, there are few works performed with large and representative samples of children and adolescents with psychopathological symptoms. The present work analyses 588 participants referred by first care pediatricians to a specialized unit for children and adolescents' mental health. As a result of the study, a statistically significant relation was found between age and diagnosis: a larger incidence of behavioral disorders, communication disorders, elimination disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, impulse-control disorders from 0 to 5 years; behavioral disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more common from 6 to 11 years, behavioral and anxiety disorders were more likely at 12 to 15 years; and, lastly, behavioral disorders were more prevalent from 16 to 18 years. With respect to gender, there was a significant relationship with diagnosis: boys had more behavioral disorders, whereas girl had more anxiety disorders. To conclude, a relationship between mental disorders and developmental achievements could be indicated in the younger group. Additionally, externalizing disorders in boys and internalizing ones n girls were more prevalent across all ages.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento del trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad: diferencias entre entrevista clínica y prueba psicométrica / Diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Differences between clinical interview and psychometric testing

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Electroestimulación en el tratamiento de la mano hemipléjica espástica después de un ictus: estudio aleatorizado / Electrical stimulation in the treatment of the spastic hemiplegic hand after stroke: a randomized study

Fundamento y objetivo: Se ha señalado que la estimulación eléctrica neuromuscular (EENM) puede favorecer la recuperación motora de la mano tras un ictus. El objetivo de este estudio se basó en examinar el efecto de un protocolo de electroestimulación sobre el rango articular y la fuerza de la mano de un grupo de pacientes mayores con hemiplejia espástica tras ictus. Pacientes y método: Veinte pacientes mayores de 60 años con afectación de la mano tras ictus fueron asignados aleatoriamente a un grupo experimental (rehabilitación convencional y EENM) o un grupo control (rehabilitación convencional). La EENM se aplicó en los extensores de muñeca y dedos 30 minutos 3 días/semana durante 8 semanas. Las medidas de resultado incluyeron pruebas goniométricas y dinamométricas. Se evaluaron al inicio, y después de 4 y 8 semanas de tratamiento. Resultados: Tras el tratamiento, el grupo experimental mostró mejoras significativas (p<0,05) en el rango de movimiento (ángulo de reposo, extensión activa y extensión pasiva de la articulación de la muñeca, y ángulo de reposo de las articulaciones metacarpofalángicas de los dedos), así como en la fuerza de la mano (fuerza de prensión y pinza). Conclusiones: Los cambios observados parecen estar asociados con la presencia de intervención y sugieren que el protocolo de EENM aplicado podría ser un útil complemento en el tratamiento rehabilitador para mejorar el déficit motor de la mano en pacientes cuidadosamente seleccionados después de un ictus (AU)

Background and objective: It has been claimed that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may enhance hand motor recovery after a stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an electrostimulation protocol on range of motion and strength of the hand in a group of elderly patients with spastic hemiplegia after a stroke. Patients and method: 20 elderly patients 60 years old and over with hand impairment due to stroke were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (conventional rehabilitation and NMES) or control group (conventional rehabilitation). NMES was applied on wrist and finger extensors 30min 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Outcome measurements included goniometry and dynamometry tests. The patients were evaluated at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Results:After the treatment, the experimental group showed significant improvements (p<0,05) in range of motion: resting wrist angle, active wrist extension, passive wrist extension and resting metacarpophalangeal angle of fingers; and strength of hand: grip and pinch strength. Conclusion: The observed changes seem to be associated with the presence of intervention and they suggest that the NMES protocol applied could be a useful complementary rehabilitation treatment to improve hand motor impairment in carefully selected patients after a stroke (AU)

[Electrical stimulation in the treatment of the spastic hemiplegic hand after stroke: a randomized study]. / Electroestimulación en el tratamiento de la mano hemipléjica espástica después de un ictus: estudio aleatorizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It has been claimed that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may enhance hand motor recovery after a stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an electrostimulation protocol on range of motion and strength of the hand in a group of elderly patients with spastic hemiplegia after a stroke. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 20 elderly patients 60 years old and over with hand impairment due to stroke were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (conventional rehabilitation and NMES) or control group (conventional rehabilitation). NMES was applied on wrist and finger extensors 30 min 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Outcome measurements included goniometry and dynamometry tests. The patients were evaluated at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: After the treatment, the experimental group showed significant improvements (p<0,05) in range of motion: resting wrist angle, active wrist extension, passive wrist extension and resting metacarpophalangeal angle of fingers; and strength of hand: grip and pinch strength. CONCLUSION: The observed changes seem to be associated with the presence of intervention and they suggest that the NMES protocol applied could be a useful complementary rehabilitation treatment to improve hand motor impairment in carefully selected patients after a stroke.

Beneficios del ejercicio físico en población mayor institucionalizada / Benefits of physical activity in nursing home residents

ObjetivoEvaluar la eficacia del ejercicio físico sobre el nivel físico, funcional y psicológico de personas mayores institucionalizadas.Material y métodoEstudio cuasi-experimental sobre personas mayores institucionalizadas en dos residencias. La intervención consistió en un programa de ejercicio físico suave de 2 sesiones semanales de 60min durante 8 semanas. Se evaluó la movilidad articular, fuerza muscular, marcha y equilibrio, situación funcional, dolor, estado cognitiva y sensación de bienestar psicológico.ResultadosLos participantes se dividieron en grupo de intervención (n=24) y grupo control (n=27). Se obtuvieron mejorías estadísticamente significativas en la extensión de rodilla, flexores de codo y extensores de rodilla, equilibrio y marcha, capacidad funcional y cognitiva, así como bienestar del grupo de intervención. Finalmente, tras el tratamiento, la percepción de dolor fue menor.ConclusionesLa aplicación de programas de ejercicio físico presenta resultados positivos tanto en aspectos de carácter físico como funcional y psicológico. Por tanto, tratamientos de ejercicio físico pueden permitir al anciano prevenir o retardar diversas alteraciones asociadas al envejecimiento, evitando con ello incapacidades y pérdidas de funciones(AU)

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of physical exercise on physical, functional and psychological dimensions in nursing home residents.Material and methodA quasi-experimental design was used to test for treatment effects in a sample of elderly residents in two nursing homes. The treatment consisted of 8 weeks (two 60-minute sessions per week) of light physical exercise. Joint mobility, muscle strength, walking and stability, functional capacity, pain, cognitive status and psychological well-being were assessed as potential treatment outcomes.ResultsParticipants were divided in a treatment group (n=24) and a control group (n=27). Statistically significant differences were found in knee extension, elbow flexors and knee extensors, stability and walking ability, as well as in functional capacity, cognitive functioning, and well-being. Pain perception decreased after the treatment.ConclusionsThe application of a physical activity program had positive effects on physical, functional and psychological facets of the residents’ lives. Therefore, physical activity may prevent or reduce several medical and psychological problems associated with old age, thus avoiding functional loss and disability(AU)

Comparison between Spanish young and elderly people evaluated using Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test.

The first objective of this work was to compare scores obtained in the daily memory function between young and elderly people, and to check whether there are differences between the groups for each of the profile scores obtained in the memory test. A second aim of this paper is to study the relationship between everyday memory and age, while controlling for gender and educational level. The total and profile scores obtained in the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test were compared in a sample of 60 young and 120 elderly people from Valencia (Spain). Results showed significant differences between the two groups: those between 18 and 30 years obtained a higher average than those over 65. Once the group comparison was controlled for gender and educational level, the statistical effect of age group disappeared. The non-significant effect of group can not be explained by the introduction of gender, because both its main effect and the interaction were not statistically significant. However, educational level had a statistically significant effect which may explain the non-significant effect of group in this new analysis. The main conclusion is the need to carefully control for educational level in all studies related with everyday memory and ageing, as the differences found could be due to generational differences more than to biological deterioration.

[Benefits of physical activity in nursing home residents]. / Beneficios del ejercicio físico en población mayor institucionalizada.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of physical exercise on physical, functional and psychological dimensions in nursing home residents. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was used to test for treatment effects in a sample of elderly residents in two nursing homes. The treatment consisted of 8 weeks (two 60-minute sessions per week) of light physical exercise. Joint mobility, muscle strength, walking and stability, functional capacity, pain, cognitive status and psychological well-being were assessed as potential treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Participants were divided in a treatment group (n=24) and a control group (n=27). Statistically significant differences were found in knee extension, elbow flexors and knee extensors, stability and walking ability, as well as in functional capacity, cognitive functioning, and well-being. Pain perception decreased after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a physical activity program had positive effects on physical, functional and psychological facets of the residents' lives. Therefore, physical activity may prevent or reduce several medical and psychological problems associated with old age, thus avoiding functional loss and disability.

Envejecimiento y bienestar: avances en investigación / Aging and well-being: advances in research

Los importantes cambios demográficos del último siglo han provocado un aumento de la longevidad y, por tanto, del número de adultos mayores, lo cual hay un incremento en la investigación con este grupo de edad y más concretamente en relación con el bienestar. Así, se ha podido constatar que en el envejecimiento, el bienestar subjetivo, compuesto por un componente cognitivo y otro afectivo tanto negativo como positivo, parece mantenerse estable y poco sujeto a cambiar con el tiempo. Por otra parte, en relación con el bienestar psicológico, estudiado a partir de las escalas de bienestar de Ryff, se ha observado, en diferentes trabajos, que las dimensiones crecimiento personal y propósito en la vida mantienen correlaciones negativas con le edad y, en consecuencia, experimenta más cambios.

Demographic changes in the last century have produced longer life expectancy and therefore there is a greater proportion of elderly in the population. As a consequence, there has been growing interest in research of elderly people, especially in terms of their well-being. There is research evidence that well-being in the elderly may be understood as a two-components construct: subjective well-being, that remains relatively stable during life span; and psychological well-being, that negatively changes with age, especially in the dimensions of personal growth and life purpose.

[Comparison of psychological well-being among Dominican and Spanish elders]. / Comparación del bienestar psicológico de personas mayores dominicanas y españolas.

INTRODUCTION: Well-being and its association with distinct factors have played a central role in the arena of psychogerontology research. Given the importance of this topic, the present study examined several factors that could influence well-being among the elderly of two countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-cultural study was based on a survey of two samples of elderly people, one from the Dominican Republic (N=1,296) and another from Spain (N=476), sampled, respectively, by stratification and quota sampling. Analyses included descriptive statistics, correlations and a multivariate analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Overall, sociodemographic factors were found to affect well-being both in the univariate and multivariate analyses. Nevertheless, the effect sizes were, in general, rather low. These effects were basically due to main effects rather than interactions. Age was negatively related to well-being. Marriage was associated with the highest levels of some well-being dimensions. The highest educational levels were also associated with higher levels of some well-being dimensions. The largest effect was due to country, with Dominicans scoring lower on all well-being dimensions, even after statistically controlling for other factors. CONCLUSIONS: A main conclusion of this study was that sociodemographic factors did not differentially affect the two countries, given the rather low interaction effects. However, systematic effects were found for sociodemographic factors, independently of country. These effects were analyzed in light of the distinction between subjective and psychological well-being, and the data failed to support the idea of a different profile of results on these two types of well-being dimensions. Finally, given the large effect of country on all well-being dimensions, the relative importance of several sociopolitical and cultural factors was analyzed.

Bienestar y calidad de vida en ancianos institucionalizados y no institucionalizados / Well-being and life quality among old people living and not living in institutions for the elderly

La mejora de la calidad de vida debe constituir un objetivo prioritario en la intervención con las personas mayores. De este modo y como objetivo general para nuestro trabajo se analizaron las diferencias que existen en una muestra de 111 ancianos institucionalizados y no institucionalizados, en uno de los elementos que componen la calidad de vida, el bienestar. Como principales resultados destacaron el inferior nivel de satisfacción que tienen los institucionalizados en los aspectos relacionales así como la insatisfacción que les producen los aspectos relativos a la seguridad. Además, se observó que mientras en el bienestar psicológico no existen diferencias entre ambos grupos, los factores propios del bienestar subjetivo mostraron diferencias, siendo las puntuaciones de los ancianos instiucionalizados inferiores

Life quality improvement should constitute a priority in intervention with the elderly. In order to accomplish this objective a careful consideration of potential differences between elder people living in institutions and those living within a familiar context, with respect to wellbeing, is needed to better plan psychological interventions. Therefore a comparison of both groups of elder people was performed. Results shown a lower level of satisfaction of the group living in institutions compared to those living in a family context. Concretely, differences were found in social relationships and support and also perceived security levels. With respect to wellbeing, there were no differences between both groups in psychological wellbeing, but elder people living in institutions had lower level of subjective wellbeing than those living within a familiar context