OBJECTIVE: There exists a deficiency in a distinct understanding of the intervention effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) exercise therapies (Tai Chi, Yi Jin Jing, Ba Duan Jin, Liu Zi Jue, Qigong, Wu Qin Xi etc.) on cognitive function and its moderating variables in the elderly. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of TCM exercise therapies on the cognitive function of the elderly and further propose the best exercise intervention programme to delay the cognitive decline of the elderly.
METHODS: PubMed, EBSCO host, Web of Science, EMbase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wan Fang databases were searched for the effects of TCM exercise therapies on the cognitive function in older adults until July 2022. A meta-analysis of the included literature was performed using Stata 12.0 software, with a subgroup analysis of seven moderating variables: subject type, intervention content, intervention duration, intervention frequency, intervention period, study type and sample size. A random effects model was used to combine the overall effect sizes and to test for heterogeneity and publication bias across studies.
RESULTS: A total of 20 publications with 1975 subjects were included. The TCM exercise therapies delayed cognitive decline in older adults (d = 0.83; 95 % CI [0.62-1.04]; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis found that intervention content, intervention duration, intervention frequency, and intervention period were significant moderating variables influencing the effectiveness of the intervention. Among them, the Ba Duan Jin intervention (d = 0.85; 95 % CI [0.65-1.06]; P < 0.001), the duration of each exercise session of 60 min or more (d = 0.86; 95 % CI [0.71-1.00]; P < 0.001), the frequency of exercise of more than 5 times per week (d = 0.80; 95 % CI [0.64-0.96]; P < 0.001) and exercise cycles of 6-9 months (d = 0.96; 95 % CI [0.80-1.12]; P < 0.001) produced the largest effect sizes.
CONCLUSIONS: TCM exercise therapies can effectively improve the cognitive function of the elderly. The best effect on the cognitive function of the elderly was achieved by choosing Ba Duan Jin and exercising at least five times a week for at least 60 min each time for a total of 6-9 months. The effect size of the TCM exercise therapy interventions on the cognitive function in older adults may be overestimated because of publication bias. In addition, large-sample, multicenter, high-quality randomised controlled trials should be conducted to validate this result.

The phenomenon of the population\'s gradual global ageing means that an increasing proportion of research is concerned with the space in which seniors function on a daily basis. They are primarily aimed at identifying elements of the built environment that need updating in the new social context. The purpose of the analyses presented in this article is to review the current scientific literature on various aspects of physical activity of people outdoors in an urbanized environment. The scope review was based on the resources of 3 scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed). The analyses concerned articles published in the last decade (2013-2023). The collected material was subjected to the PRISMA procedure (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analytics), and 29 articles were extracted for analysis. The conducted research indicated thematic scopes that are undertaken in contemporary research on physical activities of a rehabilitation nature undertaken in public space by older people (>65 years of age). The research topics described in the articles analysed dealt with elements defining the characteristics of public space that mobilise older people to be active, identified barriers preventing its use and factors popularising it. The studies analysed also identified the characteristics of public spaces according to the type of activity used by seniors for rehabilitation. The result of the review is the separation of the thematic scope of research on the activation of the elderly in the open air towards rehabilitation. The information provided may be useful for architects, urban planners and people managing urban spaces to determine design solutions that meet the needs of older people. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3):255-267.
Globalne zjawisko stopniowego starzenia się społeczeństwa sprawia, że coraz więcej badań dotyczy przestrzeni, w której seniorzy funkcjonują na co dzień. Mają one na celu przede wszystkim wskazanie elementów środowiska zbudowanego, które wymagają aktualizacji w nowym kontekście społecznym. Celem analiz przedstawionych w niniejszym artykule jest systemowy przegląd aktualnej literatury dotyczącej różnych aspektów aktywności fizycznej osób starszych (>65 lat) na świeżym powietrzu w środowisku zurbanizowanym. Przeglądu dokonano na podstawie zasobów 3 naukowych baz: Web of Science, Scopus i PubMed. Analizy dotyczyły artykułów opublikowanych w ostatniej dekadzie (2013–2023). Zgromadzony materiał poddano procedurze PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analytics) i wyodrębniono 29 artykułów, które włączono do metaanalizy. Przeprowadzone badania wskazały zakresy tematyczne, które są opisywane we współczesnych pracach nad aktywnościami fizycznymi mającymi charakter rehabilitacyjny i podejmowanymi w przestrzeni publicznej przez osoby starsze. Tematyka analizowanych artykułów dotyczyła elementów określających charakterystykę przestrzeni mobilizującej osoby starsze do aktywności, określała bariery uniemożliwiające korzystanie z niej oraz popularyzujące ją czynniki. W pracach określano również cechy przestrzeni publicznej w zależności od rodzaju aktywności służącej seniorom do rehabilitacji. Wynikiem przeglądu jest wyznaczenie zakresu tematycznego badań dotyczących aktywizacji osób starszych na świeżym powietrzu w kierunku rehabilitacji. Podane informacje mogą być przydatne dla architektów, urbanistów i osób zarządzających miejskimi przestrzeniami do ustalania rozwiązań projektowych odpowiadającym potrzebom osób starszych. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3):255–267.

COVID-19 is a major global health threat, with millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide. Containment and mitigation strategies, including vaccination, have been implemented to reduce transmission and protect the population. We conducted two systematic reviews to collect nonrandomized studies investigating the effects of vaccination on COVID-19-related complications and deaths in the Italian population. We considered studies conducted in Italian settings and written in English that contained data on the effects of vaccination on COVID-19-related mortality and complications. We excluded studies that pertained to the pediatric population. In total, we included 10 unique studies in our two systematic reviews. The results showed that fully vaccinated individuals had a lower risk of death, severe symptoms, and hospitalization compared to unvaccinated individuals. The review also looked at the impact of vaccination on post-COVID-19 syndrome, the effectiveness of booster doses in older individuals, and nationwide adverse events. Our work highlights the crucial role that vaccination campaigns have played in reducing the burden of COVID-19 disease in the Italian adult population, positively impacting the pandemic trajectory in Italy.

(1) Background: aging is associated with functional changes such as balance, which plays a critical role in older adults. Physical exercise has been established as a factor capable of modulating these age-related alterations. (2) Methods: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted. The systematic search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, the SPORTDiscus and Cochrane Library databases. Articles were included if participants were 65 years or older, healthy and performing resistance training, aerobic training, balance training or multicomponent training. Studies were excluded if there was a combination of training with other types of intervention. The protocol of this systematic review was published in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the code CRD42021233252 (3) Results: the search strategy found a total of 1103 studies. After removing duplicates and the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 335 healthy older adults analyzed. The results showed no significant differences between the intervention groups and the control groups after the exercise programs. (4) Conclusions: interventions based on different types of exercise improved static balance in elderly population, but without statistically significant difference in comparison with the control groups.

Several epidemiological studies stress the association between a diet based on high fruits and vegetables intake and a better health condition. However, elderly Europeans cannot manage the recommended fruits and vegetables consumption. This systematic review aims to explore the main factors related to fruits and vegetables consumption in elderly Europeans. We conducted literature searches on Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to May 2022. Published articles including data related to certain fruits and vegetables consumption among elderly Europeans were selected. The New Castle-Ottawa Scale and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute tools were used for methodological quality assessment by two authors independently. A total of 60 articles were retrieved, and data from twenty-one high-quality cross-sectional studies and five moderate-to-high-quality cohort studies, including a total of 109,516 participants, were synthesized. Associated factors mostly analyzed were those relating to demographic and socioeconomic status, such as sex, age, marital status, educational level, and income. However, the findings show a high discrepancy. Some evidence suggests a possible positive association, while other evidence shows an inverse or no association at all. The relationship between demographic and socioeconomic factors with fruits and vegetables consumption is not at all clear. More epidemiological studies with an appropriate design and corresponding statistical methods are required.

If dependency makes vulnerable: Nursing home residents\' claims for dignity-conserving nursing care - A narrative literature review Abstract. Introduction: Due to an increase in the very old population, it is important to know what is needed in order to support older people\'s needs regarding dignity-conserving nursing care when living in a nursing home. Aim: The aim of this article is to gather information on how nursing home residents feel respected and protected in regards of their dignity. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted in the databases CINAHL Complete and PubMed. Six qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were compared regarding similarities. Results: The protection of dignity is jeopardized not only by the residents\' dependency, but also by nurses, social environment, and society. To protect their own dignity, residents wanted to be perceived as individuals and be treated with respect. Additionally, they wanted to be as independent as possible and take part in meaningful activities. Discussion: Facilitation of staff members as well as flat, peripheral leadership structures are important in order to protect the residents\' dignity. The residents\' needs regarding social and societal participation has been additionally challenged due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic enforced innovations that may help protect nursing home residents\' dignity. Conclusions: These findings can help nurses to protect the dignity of nursing home residents in their daily lives and in the implementation of care measures.
Zusammenfassung. Einleitung: Aufgrund der zunehmenden Hochaltrigkeit ist es wichtig in Erfahrung zu bringen, was es braucht, damit Menschen nach einem Umzug in ein Pflegeheim ein würdevolles Leben führen können. Ziel: Diese Arbeit will die Bedürfnisse von Pflegeheimbewohnenden erfassen, um herauszufinden, wie sie sich in ihrer Würde respektiert und geschützt fühlen. Methode: Es wurde ein narrativer Literaturreview in den Datenbanken CINAHL Complete und PubMed durchgeführt und sechs qualitative Studien eingeschlossen, deren Ergebnisse hinsichtlich gemeinsamer Themen einander gegenübergestellt wurden. Ergebnisse: Der Schutz der Würde wird nicht nur durch die Abhängigkeit der Bewohnenden bedroht, sondern auch durch das Pflegepersonal, das soziale Umfeld und die Gesellschaft. Bewohnenden war es wichtig, als individuelle Person angesehen und respektvoll behandelt zu werden, möglichst selbstständig und unabhängig zu sein und an bedeutungsvollen Aktivitäten teilzuhaben. Diskussion: Förderung der Mitarbeitenden sowie flache, dezentrale Führungsstrukturen sind zum Schutz der Würde von Bewohnenden wichtig. Bedürfnisse wie soziale und gesellschaftliche Teilhabe wurden durch die Covid-19-Pandemie zusätzlich bedroht. Gleichzeitig brachte die Pandemie Innovationen hervor, die den Schutz der Würde von Pflegeheimbewohnenden stärken können. Schlussfolgerung: Diese Erkenntnisse helfen dem Pflegepersonal im Umgang mit Bewohnenden, im Pflegeheimalltag und während den Pflegehandlungen deren Würde zu schützen.

Patient safety in long-term care is becoming an increasingly popular subject in the scientific literature. Organizational problems such as shortages of medical staff, insufficient numbers of facilities or underfunding increase the risk of adverse events, and aging populations in many countries suggests that these problems will become more and more serious with each passing year. The objective of the study is to identify interventions that can contribute to increasing patient safety in long-term care facilities.
A systematic review of secondary studies was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Searches were conducted in Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via OVID) and Cochrane Library. The quality of the included studies was assessed using AMSTAR2.
Ultimately, 10 studies were included in the analysis. They concerned three main areas: promoting safety culture, reducing the level of occupational stress and burnout, and increasing the safety of medication use. Promising methods that have an impact on increasing patient safety include: preventing occupational burnout of medical staff, e.g., by using mindfulness-based interventions; preventing incidents resulting from improper administration of medications, e.g., by using structured methods of patient transfer; and the use of information technology that is more effective than the classic (paper) method or preventing nosocomial infections, e.g., through programs to improve the quality of care in institutions and the implementation of an effective infection control system.
Taking into account the scientific evidence found and the guidelines of institutions dealing with patient safety, it is necessary for each long-term care facility to individually implement interventions aimed at continuous improvement of the quality of care and patient safety culture at the level of medical staff and management staff.

UNASSIGNED: Increasing lines of evidence indicate that traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) has potential benefits in improving chronic low back pain (CLBP) symptoms. To assess the clinical efficacy of TCE in the treatment of CLBP, we performed a systematic review of existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CLBP and summarized the neural mechanisms underlying TCE in the treatment of CLBP.
UNASSIGNED: A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and EBSCO from January 1991 to March 2022. The quality of all included RCTs was evaluated by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale (PEDro). The primary outcomes included pain severity and pain-related disability.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 11 RCTs with 1,256 middle-aged and elderly patients with CLBP were included. The quality of all 11 included RCTs ranged from moderate to high according to PEDro. Results suggested that TCE could considerably reduce pain intensity in patients with CLBP. Overall, most studies did not find any difference in secondary outcomes (quality of life, depression, and sleep quality).
UNASSIGNED: The neurophysiological mechanism of TCE for treating CLBP could be linked to meditation and breathing, posture control, strength and flexibility training, and regulation of pain-related brain networks. Our systematic review showed that TCE appears to be effective in alleviating pain in patients with CLBP.

A growing body of research examines the effect of aerobic exercise on pulse wave velocity (PWV) in middle-aged and elderly people, while findings of available studies were conflicting. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of aerobic exercise on PWV in middle-aged and elderly people. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. Cochrane risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included literature. We included studies that satisfied the following criteria: (1) eligible studies should be randomized controlled trials (RCTs); (2) eligible studies should include both an intervention and a control group; (3) eligible studies should use the middle-aged or elderly people as subjects; and (4) eligible studies should use PWV as the outcome measure. From 972 search records initially identified, 11 studies with a total of 12 exercise groups (n = 245) and 11 control groups (n = 239) were eligible for meta-analysis. There was a significant effect of aerobic exercise on reducing PWV in middle-aged and elderly people [weighted mean difference (WMD), -0.75 (95% CI, -1.21 to -0.28), p = 0.002]. Specifically, a higher intensity [vigorous-intensity, -0.74 (-1.34 to -0.14), p = 0.02; moderate-intensity, -0.68 (-1.49 to 0.12), p = 0.10], a younger age [45 years ≤ age < 60 years, -0.57 (-0.78 to -0.37), p < 0.00001; age ≥ 60 years, -0.91 (-2.10 to 0.27), p = 0.13], a better health status [healthy, -1.19 (-2.06 to -0.31), p = 0.008; diseased, -0.32 (-0.64 to -0.01), p = 0.04], and a lower basal body mass index (BMI) [BMI < 25, -1.19 (-2.06 to -0.31), p = 0.008; 25 ≤ BMI < 30, -0.52 (-0.92 to -0.12), p = 0.01; BMI ≥ 30, -0.09 (-0.93 to 0.76), p = 0.84] were associatedwith larger reductions in PWV. Aerobic exercise, especially vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, contributed to reducing PWV in middle-aged and elderly people. The effect of aerobic exercise on improving PWV was associated with characteristics of the participants. Specifically, a younger age, a better health status, and a lower basal BMI contributed to more significant reductions in PWV.
UNASSIGNED: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022337103], identifier [CRD42022337103].

UNASSIGNED: Executive function will gradually decline with the increase of age, which will have a negative impact on the quality of life and general health. Exercise intervention can improve executive function and prevent its deterioration, but the evidence from randomized controlled trials is not consistent.
UNASSIGNED: To assess the effect of exercise intervention on executive function of healthy middle-aged and elderly people, and briefly describe its mechanism.
UNASSIGNED: A search was conducted using PubMed, Web of science and EBSCO. The searches were limited to English articles published from January 2010 to January 2022. The information is extracted from searched articles included or excluded based on certain criteria.
UNASSIGNED: The search returned 2,746 records, of which 11 articles were included in the systematic review, and 8 articles were supplemented according to the references included and related reviews. The results show that different types of exercise intervention have positive effects on the executive function of the middle-aged and elderly people. The intervention prescriptions in most studies are executed in medium to low frequency, medium intensity and medium duration, while only 11% of the studies were followed up.
UNASSIGNED: The intervention, which was executed twice a week with 30-60 min single intervention time and over 12 weeks total duration, showed a good intervention effect. Exercise intervention is to improve executive function by affecting the activation of brain network and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.