Vitamin K Supplementation to Improve Vascular Stiffness in CKD: The K4Kidneys Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Vascular calcification, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is common among patients with CKD and is an independent contributor to increased vascular stiffness and vascular risk in this patient group. Vitamin K is a cofactor for proteins involved in prevention of vascular calcification. Whether or not vitamin K supplementation could improve arterial stiffness in patients with CKD is unknown.

Effect of Vitamin K2 on Postural Sway in Older People Who Fall: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: Vitamin K is thought to be involved in both bone health and maintenance of neuromuscular function. We tested the effect of vitamin K2 supplementation on postural sway, falls, healthcare costs, and indices of physical function in older people at risk of falls.

Design: Parallel-group double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Effect of two different participant information sheets on recruitment to a falls trial: An embedded randomised recruitment trial.

Background/aims: Recruitment to trials of intervention for older people who fall is challenging. Evidence suggests that the word falls has negative connotations for older people, and this may present a barrier to engaging with trials in this area. We therefore tested whether a participant information sheet that minimised reference to falls could improve recruitment rates.

Efficacy and cost of an exercise program for functionally impaired older patients with heart failure: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Little is known about the optimum way to deliver exercise to older, functionally impaired patients with heart failure. We tested whether an exercise program tailored to the needs of these patients could improve exercise capacity and quality of life or reduce costs to the National Health Service.

Methods And Results: The study design was a parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Validation of an individualised quality of life measure in older day hospital patients.

Background: To test the ease of use, reliability, responsiveness and construct validity of the Patient Generated Index, an individualised quality of life score, in older people attending a Medicine for Older People Day Hospital.

Methods: Prospective longitudinal study in patients attending a specialist Medicine for Older People Day Hospital in Scotland. The Patient Generated Index was administered at baseline, one week later, and at the end of Day Hospital attendance.