Concurrent validity and reliability of telerehabilitation-based physiotherapy assessment of cervical spine in adults with non-specific neck pain.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of telerehabilitation (TR)-based evaluation of the cervical spine among adults with non-specific neck pain (NS-NP).

Methods: A total of 11 participants with NS-NP were recruited. Pain intensity, active range of motion (AROM), posture, deep neck flexor (DNF) endurance, combined neck movements and disability were measured using face-to-face and TR methods, with a one-hour break in between.

Methodology approaches and challenges in population-based longitudinal study of a neuroprotective model for healthy longevity.

Aim: The 36-month Long-Term Research Grant Scheme project: Towards Usual Aging - Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity among Malaysian Elderly was designed to address multidimensional aspects including psychosocial, biophysical health, nutrition and dietary pattern, and auditory and visual function to highlight the magnitude of these associations in a single study.

Methods: A total of 2322 respondents aged ≥60 years were recruited at baseline using the multistage sampling method, followed up at 18 months and 36 months.

Results: Response rates at baseline, 18 months and 36 months were 87.

Correlation between thoracolumbar curvatures and respiratory function in older adults.

Aging is associated with alterations in thoracolumbar curvatures and respiratory function. Research information regarding the correlation between thoracolumbar curvatures and a comprehensive examination of respiratory function parameters in older adults is limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the correlation between thoracolumbar curvatures and respiratory function in community-dwelling older adults.

Lumbar Kinematics, Functional Disability and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Among Adults with Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine correlations between lumbar kinematics, functional disability and fear avoidance beliefs among adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain (LBP).

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and December 2014. A total of 32 adults diagnosed with nonspecific chronic LBP were recruited from outpatients attending either an orthopaedic clinic at a university hospital or a private physiotherapy clinic in Malaysia.

Efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty status and its biomarkers, nutritional status, and physical and cognitive function among prefrail older adults: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Frailty is a biological syndrome of decreased reserve and resistance to stressors due to decline in multiple physiological systems. Amino acid deficiency, including L-carnitine, has been proposed to be associated with its pathophysiology. Nevertheless, the efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty status has not been documented.

A Review of Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment in Stroke Survivors.

In this review, we aimed to identify the risk factors that may influence cognitive impairment among stroke survivors, namely, demographic, clinical, psychological, and physical determinants. A search from Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases was conducted for papers published from year 2004 to 2015 related to risk factors of cognitive impairment among adult stroke survivors. A total of 1931 articles were retrieved, but only 27 articles met the criteria and were reviewed.

Association between physiological falls risk and physical performance tests among community-dwelling older adults.

Background: Physical performance and balance declines with aging and may lead to increased risk of falls. Physical performance tests may be useful for initial fall-risk screening test among community-dwelling older adults. Physiological profile assessment (PPA), a composite falls risk assessment tool is reported to have 75% accuracy to screen for physiological falls risk.

Relationship between physical performance and cognitive performance measures among community-dwelling older adults.

Purpose: Cognitive impairment is correlated with physical function. However, the results in the literature are inconsistent with cognitive and physical performance measures. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the association between cognitive performance and physical function among older adults.

Correlation between nutritional status and comprehensive physical performance measures among older adults with undernourishment in residential institutions.

Purpose: The consequences of combined undernourishment and decreased physical performance in older adults are debilitating and increases cost of care. To date, the information regarding the association between nutritional status and physical performance does not provide a complete picture. Most studies used limited or self-reported measures to evaluate physical performance.

Effects of substituting a portion of standard physiotherapy time with virtual reality games among community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Background: Evidence indicates that the continuation of therapy among community-dwelling stroke survivors improves physical function. Community rehabilitation programmes often face limitations in terms of resources. It is imperative to include new motivational interventions to encourage some level of non-clinician management.

Decline in lumbar extensor muscle strength the older adults: correlation with age, gender and spine morphology.

Background: Muscle morphology, age and gender may be determinants of muscle strength in older adults. However, very few research studies have directly examined such correlation in the ageing spine. The aim of the study was to examine the correlation between lumbar extensor muscle strength, its muscle fibre angles, thoracolumbar curvature, age and gender in the older and younger adults.

Participating in a virtual reality balance exercise program can reduce risk and fear of falls.

Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of virtual reality balance games (VRBG) to decrease risk and fear of falls among women.

Methods: Thirty six community dwelling women aged 56 and above were randomly divided into experimental (exercises using VRBG focus on improving balance) and control (conventional balance exercises) groups. Both groups attended a twice 6 weekly exercise session for an hour.

Ageing modifies the fibre angle and biomechanical function of the lumbar extensor muscles.

Background: Ageing is associated with geometrical changes in muscle fascicles that may lead to deteriorations in physical functions. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of ageing on fibre orientation and strength of the lumbar extensor muscles.

Methods: Fifty two healthy, 26 younger (10 males and 16 females, aged from 20 to 35) and 26 older (10 males and 16 females, aged from 65 to 90) volunteers participated in this study.

Biplanar measurement of thoracolumbar curvature in older adults using an electromagnetic tracking device.

Unlabelled: Singh DK, Bailey M, Lee R. Biplanar measurement of thoracolumbar curvature in older adults using an electromagnetic tracking device.

Objectives: To develop a new biplanar method of thoracolumbar curvature measurement by using an electromagnetic tracking device and to study the effects of aging on the thoracolumbar curvature.