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Geriatrics research

Everything we have read on geriatrics. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

1,154 PAPERS · PAGE 15 OF 24 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTCohort2022Balance factors affecting the quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.The South African journal of physiotherapyIn patients with knee osteoarthritis, greater body sway while standing was linked to lower quality of life scores in both physical and mental health. Other balance measures like reaction time did not correlate with quality of life. This suggests sway is a key marker for patient wellbeing.
• PTOTQualitative2022Exploring how occupational therapists and physiotherapists evaluate rehabilitation potential of older people in acute care.The British journal of occupational therapyTherapists judged older patients' rehab potential by comparing current function with pre-admission baseline, treating acute problems first, then watching response to therapy. Pathway choices often depended on bed and service availability more than clear criteria.
• PTOTOther2022Vibrotactile Perception for Sensorimotor Augmentation: Perceptual Discrimination of Vibrotactile Stimuli Induced by Low-Cost Eccentric Rotating Mass Motors at Different Body Locations in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesVibrotactile intensity discrimination is best on the arm, knee, and shoulders, and worst on the torso. Older adults initially show poorer discrimination than younger adults, but this gap closes significantly after just three days of practice.
• PTOTSLPCase Series2022Delivering Trauma-Informed Care in a Hospital Ward for Older Adults With Dementia: An Illustrative Case Series.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesIn four cases of older adults with dementia, distress during personal care was linked to past trauma. Staff identified triggers like showering or male caregivers and adapted care. This reduced distress, but the cases show what happened, not that the approach works.
• OTPilot2022The impact of an occupational therapy group cognitive rehabilitation program for people with dementia.Australian occupational therapy journalPeople with dementia who completed a 5-week occupational therapy group cognitive rehabilitation program with individualised goals, home tasks, a handbook and caregiver support showed better everyday memory test scores and reported better quality of life, performance and satisfaction, with gains remaining at follow-up.
• OTQualitative2022Canadian Occupational Performance Measure: Benefits and Limitations Highlighted Using the Delphi Method and Principal Component Analysis.Occupational therapy internationalFrench occupational therapists trained in the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure agreed it supports client-centered care and team decision-making. They identified barriers including patient cognitive difficulties, lack of institutional knowledge, and time constraints. This reflects expert opinion on usability, not evidence of clinical outcomes.
• OTOther2022Training Program to Modify Manual Wheelchairs to Simplified Power Wheelchairs for Community Dwelling Elderly People and Caregivers.Occupational therapy internationalCommunity-dwelling elderly people and caregivers, most with no wheelchair experience, successfully completed a 30-hour training to modify manual wheelchairs into simplified power ones. Ninety-one percent demonstrated the modification independently after theory sessions.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Short Report: The influence of congregate setting on positive COVID-19 tests among a high-risk sample of adults with intellectual and developmental disability in Ontario.Research in developmental disabilitiesAdults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in group homes had almost five times the odds of testing positive for COVID-19 compared to those in private settings. Older age, limited mobility, and aggression were also independent risk factors, with heightened risk appearing as early as age 45.
• OTOther2022Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability of the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST) in Assessing Fall-Risk Home Hazards for Stroke Using Technologies over a Conventional Home Visit.Occupational therapy internationalMalay, Mandarin and Tamil HOME FAST versions let therapists rate stroke home hazards from videos and photos. In 10 analysed homes, ratings agreed with an in-person visit, so they can screen fall risks when a visit is not possible.
• OTSLPOther2022Hearing handicap and frailty in community-dwelling older adults living.CoDASFrail and pre-frail older adults in this community reported more hearing handicap than non-frail adults. The relationship was weak, and the study cannot show hearing handicap causes frailty.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022Risk factors for decline in gait speed during walking while talking in older adults.Gait & postureWalking speed while talking declined faster in older adults who were older, had poorer balance, or had faster single-task walking speeds. Poor balance was the strongest modifiable risk factor for this accelerated decline.
• PTOTOther2022Healthy ageing through participation in community situated activities: A scoping review of assessment instruments to support occupational therapy practice.Australian occupational therapy journalNo existing assessment tool comprehensively measures community participation for older adults because they ignore environmental factors like transport and accessibility. Therapists should not assume standard participation scores capture the barriers preventing patients from leaving home or engaging in daily life.
• PTOTPilot2022Utility of an obstacle-crossing test to classify future fallers and non-fallers at hospital discharge after stroke: A pilot study.Gait & postureStroke survivors who failed to step over a customized obstacle before hospital discharge were three times more likely to fall in the next three months. This simple test may help identify those needing extra fall prevention, though results are not precise enough for routine practice yet.
• PTOTCohort2022Impact of Falls and Fear of Falling on Participation, Autonomy and Life Satisfaction in the First Year After Spinal Cord Injury.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesAfter discharge, falling alone was not linked to participation or life satisfaction. Fear of falling was linked to lower indoor, outdoor and family autonomy; falling with fear was linked to poorer social life and lower life satisfaction.
• PTOTQualitative2022Experiences of community-dwelling older adults with chronic low back pain in Hong Kong and Switzerland - A qualitative study.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesOlder adults with chronic low back pain reported trouble walking, sitting and housework, plus worry and feeling a burden to family, especially in Hong Kong. They also described keeping family roles, support, contentment and social activities.
• OTQualitative2022A Case Study of Co-production Within a Mental Health Recovery College Dementia Course: Perspectives of A Person With Dementia, Their Family Supporter and Mental Health Staff.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesFour people involved in co-producing a dementia Recovery College course described it as positive, collaborative and empowering, including helping the person with dementia feel safer talking openly. It reports experiences, not proof that the course works.
• PTOTOther2022Physical function and health-related quality of life of community-dwelling older adults with locomotive syndrome and pre-frailty.Journal of physical therapy scienceOlder adults with locomotive syndrome and pre-frailty had lower health-related quality of life and slower sit-to-stand than robust peers. Those with locomotive syndrome alone had poorer mobility test scores and slower walking, but similar quality of life.
• PTOTSLPOther2022Recommending Physical Activity to Your Aging Patients? What Clinicians Need to Know to Increase Adherence From the Older Adult Perspective.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesOlder adults often reject generic exercise advice because they view aging as a barrier and lack tailored support. They prioritize social connection and autonomy over physical challenge. Clinicians should screen for individual preferences and barriers rather than just prescribing step counts or guidelines.
• PTOTPilot2022Myosteatosis as a Shared Biomarker for Sarcopenia and Cachexia Using MRI and Ultrasound.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesUltrasound echo intensity correlated strongly with MRI fat fraction, suggesting it can estimate muscle fat infiltration at the bedside. However, neither measure distinguished healthy older adults from those undergoing cancer treatment, and traditional mass metrics like BMI showed no such correlation.
• PTOTOther2022Implementation of falls risk evaluation at one-year after total hip arthroplasty: a cross-sectional study.Archives of physiotherapyOne year after hip replacement, 23% fell, yet most had balance confidence above 80. Nearly half of patients received no falls education, and only 2% used exercise to prevent falls. Standard screening missed these deficits, suggesting performance-based tests are needed.
• PTOTOther2022State of the Art Physiotherapist-Led Approaches to Safe Aging in Place.Archives of physiotherapyThis Masterclass outlines a physiotherapist-led assessment framework for older adults at risk of falls, detailing specific screening tools for cognition, mood, frailty, and home safety. It describes the HOP-UP-PT intervention model, which combines exercise, motivational interviewing, and environmental modifications to support aging in place.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2022What is intended by the term "participation" and what does it mean to people living with dementia? A conceptual overview and directions for future research.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThere is no agreed definition of "participation" for people with dementia, and current tests measure daily tasks or memory, not social involvement. Clinicians should not assume standard assessments capture a patient's desire to stay connected or their lived experience of social life.
• OTQualitative2022Perceived feasibility of an occupation-based telerehabilitation intervention for older adults with chronic health conditions in Israel.Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOTTen Israeli occupational therapists saw value in telerehabilitation for home-based goal setting but feared safety risks without hands-on contact. They doubted patient compliance and technology skills, suggesting it should augment, not replace, face-to-face care.
• PTOTOther2022Exploring the association between outcome measures to guide clinical management in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Journal of physical therapy scienceA self-reported three-question mobility score of 9 or less may indicate fall risk in ALS patients when physical testing is too demanding. This subscale tracked functional decline better than the total ALS rating scale.
• PTOTCase-Control2022Use of the Tokyo Cognitive Assessment for mild cognitive impairment to characterize elderly people that use day care services in Japan.Journal of physical therapy scienceDay care users showed slower walking and lower cognitive scores than healthy elders, but many cognitive sub-items were preserved. The overall test score is a rough guide; specific sub-item patterns matter more for detecting impairment.
• OTSurvey2022Validation of a Disability Assessment Tool Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health in the Chinese Context.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesA 20-item disability assessment used by trained nurses in Chinese long-term care facilities rated elderly on 0-10 across self-care, mobility, emotion, cognition, pain, communication, and senses. It was consistent, but it was not tested for sorting care levels.
• PTOTOther2022Normative Reference Values and Validity for the 30-Second Chair-Stand Test in Healthy Young Adults.International journal of sports physical therapyHealthy adults aged 18 to 35 averaged 33 chair stands in 30 seconds. The test reliably distinguished those meeting physical activity guidelines from those who did not, and correlated strongly with other lower-limb strength tests, supporting its use for this age group.
• OTSLPOther2022A Mixed Methods Study of Hearing Loss, Communication, and Social Engagement in a Group Care Setting for Older Adults.Perspectives of the ASHA special interest groupsMost older adults in two day care programs had untreated hearing loss and reported isolation, yet valued the center as a social outlet. Staff relied on small groups, familiar seating, and amplification to support conversation.
• OTSurvey2022Increased perceived stress is negatively associated with activities of daily living and subjective quality of life in younger, middle, and older autistic adults.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism ResearchAutistic adults who felt more stress about everyday life were less independent in daily living and reported lower quality of life across physical, psychological, social, environmental, and autism-related domains.
• PTOTCohort2022Geriatric Vulnerabilities Among Obese Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia: Findings From a Nationally Representative Cohort Study.Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001)Obese older adults with sarcopenia had 6.4 times the odds of being frail and twice the odds of social isolation, depression, and pain compared to obese peers without sarcopenia. Screen for these vulnerabilities before prescribing weight loss or exercise.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Predictors of cognitive gains during inpatient rehabilitation for older adults with traumatic brain injury.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationOlder adults with TBI made clinically meaningful cognitive gains in inpatient rehab. Younger age, female sex, higher motor function, longer stays, and freestanding facilities predicted better recovery. Black and Hispanic patients had lower odds of favorable outcomes.
• PTOTCohort2022The association between sleep deficits and sedentary behavior in people with mild Parkinson disease.Disability and rehabilitationPeople with mild Parkinson disease slept less and were more sedentary than healthy adults. More sleep linked to less sitting time in both groups. But sleep did not predict step count or active minutes. Treat sitting and moving as separate issues when addressing sleep.
• PTOTCohort2023Pain, obesity, and physical function in Mexican American older adults during 20 years of follow-up.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationOlder Mexican Americans with both pain and obesity had 2.31 times the odds of low physical function over 20 years compared to those with neither. Pain alone also increased risk. Obesity alone did not show a significant association in this high-functioning group.
• PTOTOther2023Assessing wear time and perceptions of wearing an ankle foot orthosis in patients with peripheral artery disease.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationMost participants with PAD wore their ankle orthoses about five days a week for eight hours. They reported improved walking distance but faced barriers at home, on stairs, and while driving. Do not assume high adherence or efficacy from this small pilot.
• PTOTSLPOther2023Views of in-person and virtual group exercise before and during the pandemic in people with Parkinson disease.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationPeople with Parkinson disease who moved from in-person to virtual group exercise reported maintaining or improving mobility and balance. They valued the social connection and convenience of Zoom classes, though few had been referred to the program by a doctor.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2023Physical activity and perceived barriers in individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationMiddle-aged and older adults with traumatic brain injury were less likely to meet physical activity guidelines than younger adults, yet more often reported no barriers. Younger adults cited fatigue, time constraints, and gym discomfort more frequently.
• PTOTCohort2023Footwear characteristics and foot problems in community dwelling people with stroke: a cross-sectional observational study.Disability and rehabilitationEvery one of the thirty people with chronic stroke in this study had at least one foot problem, yet most wore slippers indoors. Half of those indoor shoes were ill-fitting. Clinicians should check footwear and foot health directly, as patients often miss these issues.
• PTOTSurvey2023Factors Influencing Mobility During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationDuring the early pandemic, 26.3% of older adults said physical activity was worse, while most reported no change in home or housework mobility. Walking volume, falls, pain, health, assistance, comorbidities, fear of falling, and pleasant neighborhoods were linked to better mobility.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022The effects of rehabilitation therapy duration on functional recovery of patients with subacute stroke stratified by individual's age: a retrospective multicenter study.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineLonger daily rehabilitation was linked to better functional recovery in stroke patients aged 70 and older, but not in those under 70. This suggests older adults may benefit more from increased therapy duration, while younger patients might already be receiving enough.
• PTOTOther2022A Prospective Assessment of an Adjustable, Immediate Fit, Subischial Transfemoral Prosthesis.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationEighteen people with transfemoral limb loss rated an adjustable subischial prosthesis significantly better than their conventional socket for comfort and fit after a two-week trial. Most kept the device, and none reported falls or skin breakdown.
• PTOTCohort2023Longitudinal Associations Between Falls and Risk of Gait Decline: Results From the Central Control of Mobility and Aging Study.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationOlder adults who had multiple falls in one year showed faster decline in walking pace and greater variability than those who did not fall. However, falls were not associated with the risk of developing clinically observable gait abnormalities during the study period.
• PTOTCohort2023Risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults aging with vision impairment: The role of the neighborhood environment.Disability and health journalAmong adults with vision impairment, more broadband, optical stores, grocery stores, or fitness centers were linked to lower type 2 diabetes risk. More hospitals were linked to higher risk. In older adults, more high-speed roads or intersections were linked to higher risk.
• PTOTSLPRCT2022Rehabilitation to Improve Gaze and Postural Stability in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairNeither vestibular gaze training nor standard strength and aerobic exercise was superior for reducing dizziness in people with MS. Both groups improved significantly and maintained gains at 10 weeks. Choose the exercise type based on patient preference and accessibility.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2023Self-management of falls in people with multiple sclerosis: A scoping review.Clinical rehabilitationSelf-management programs for falls in multiple sclerosis are common but poorly defined. Randomized trials showed no reduction in falls, though some improved daily activities. Most programs target ambulatory patients, leaving non-ambulatory needs unaddressed.
• PTOTSLPCohort2022The association between global cognitive function and walking capacity in individuals with broad ranges of cognitive and physical function: Are there sex differences?Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesWalking distance predicted cognitive scores, but sex did not change this link. Males scored 2.9 points lower on the MoCA than females across all walking distances. This suggests males may need more cognitive support even when physical capacity is similar.
• OTPilot2022Combining elements of the CO-OP Approach™ with education to promote healthy eating among older adults: A pilot study.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesOlder adult volunteers found a diet group that combined education and self-set goals feasible and mostly helpful. Food tracking became burdensome, and they wanted more peer support and individualization; this did not test whether diets or dementia risk changed.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2023Functioning and Disability in Community-Living People with Perceived Cognitive Impairment or Dementia: A Mixed Methods Study using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule.Journal of rehabilitation medicineNext-of-kin rated people with cognitive impairment as having far more difficulty in daily life than the patients did themselves. Both groups agreed mobility was the least problematic area. Patients relied heavily on homecare and day centres to stay independent.
• OTPilot2022tDCS over the left prefrontal Cortex improves mental flexibility and inhibition in geriatric inpatients with symptoms of depression or anxiety: A pilot randomized controlled trial.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesIn older inpatients with depression or anxiety symptoms, left prefrontal tDCS plus usual physical, occupational, medical, and nursing care showed some gains in cognitive flexibility and inhibition, while working memory and attention did not clearly differ between groups. The trial was a small pilot.
• PTOTRCT2022Beneficial effects of walking-based home program for improving cardio-respiratory performance and physical activity in sarcopenic older people: a randomized controlled trial.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineSarcopenic older adults who walked 7,500 steps daily for five days a week and did resistance bands twice weekly for 12 weeks improved grip strength, gait speed, and walking distance. Muscle mass did not change. The intervention combined walking with resistance exercise, so the effect of either alone is unknown.
• PTOTQualitative2022Going for gold: Sports and exercise groups for people with dementia and carers contribute to their well-being.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesPeople with dementia valued safe, non-stigmatising exercise groups for social connection and identity, while carers valued them for respite and peer support. The social and practical aspects mattered more than the physical activity itself for well-being.