Connect with us

health and wellness

Online Chair Yoga Viable Exercise for Isolated Older Adults with Dementia

Published

on

Novel Study Examines Feasibility of Chair Yoga Intervention Using Zoom During the Pandemic

image Newswise
Credit: Florida Atlantic University/Getty Images
A noninvasive and low-impact intervention, chair yoga is practiced sitting or standing using a chair for support.
« Online Chair Yoga Viable Exercise for Isolated Older Adults with Dementia

Newswise — Dementia doesn’t just involve cognitive decline, it also involves deteriorating physical function. This major cause of limitation in activities of daily living in older adults with dementia requires safe, effective, and evidence-based nonpharmacological approaches. One such approach is chair yoga. A noninvasive and low-impact intervention, chair yoga is practiced sitting or standing using a chair for support and combines flexibility, balance, strength, breathing, relaxation, and mindfulness training.

Unfortunately, barriers such as lack of transportation, living in rural areas, relying on caregivers and especially the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented many older adults with dementia from participating in group-based in-person chair yoga classes. These burdens call for an innovative way to deliver a chair yoga intervention for those who cannot travel to a community center. 

“The considerable time and cost associated with traveling to in-person yoga sessions over several weeks could be burdensome to many patients,” said Juyoung Park, Ph.D., senior author, principal investigator and a professor in the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work within Florida Atlantic University’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice.

Researchers from FAU’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and Schmidt College of Medicine and collaborators, conducted a novel interdisciplinary study to evaluate a remotely supervised online chair yoga intervention targeted at older adults with dementia and measured clinical outcomes virtually via Zoom under the remote guidance. The study assessed the feasibility of this intervention and explored the relationship between chair yoga and clinical outcomes of pain interference, mobility, risk of falling, sleep disturbance, autonomic reactivity, and loneliness.

Results of the study, published in the journal Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practiceshowed that remotely supervised online chair yoga is a feasible approach for managing physical and psychological symptoms in socially isolated older adults with dementia based on retention (70 percent) and adherence (87.5 percent), with no injury or other adverse events.

“This finding is important, as older adults with dementia and their caregivers may be challenged in attempts to attend chair yoga programs at community facilities,” said Park, who conducted the research with her mentee and co-author Hannah Levine, a medical student at FAU. “Our telehealth-based chair yoga intervention was found to be convenient for both participants and their caregivers because it was easily accessible from home and did not require transportation or getting dressed, which reduced caregiver burden and stress.”

Participants in the pilot study took part in twice weekly 60-minute sessions for eight weeks. During the chair yoga session, the yoga interventionist was spotlighted in the Zoom screen to allow participants to see only the interventionist. This spotlighting enabled participants to focus on the yoga sessions without being distracted by other participants on the screen.

“Our study participants worked with a certified yoga interventionist and their caregivers and practiced breathing techniques and intentional practice; physical postures; and guided relaxation and visualization,” said Park.

Advertisement
image 101376000 12222003

Participants also interacted on Zoom with other participants or with the facilitator to maintain social bonds while maintaining physical distance. Psychosocial and physiological (i.e., cardiac) data were collected remotely at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention.

“Remotely collected cardiac and psychosocial data can provide a more complete assessment of the effects of an intervention,” said María de los Ángeles Ortega Hernández, DNP, APRN, GNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CDP, FAANP, FAAN, director of the FAU Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, associate dean of clinical practice and professor, FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. “Importantly, online chair yoga classes provide a means of reducing health disparities by opening access to interventions for persons who are unable to travel to a clinic or facility.”    

The primary aim of the study was to assess the feasibility (retention, adherence, and safety) of conducting a remotely supervised, home-based, online chair intervention and completing outcome measures virtually. The secondary aim was to examine the relationship between the intervention and chronic pain, physical function, or psychological symptoms. Finally, an exploratory aim was to evaluate the ease and ability of caregivers and participants to record cardiac data remotely for offline analyses of the effect of the intervention on parasympathetic regulation and overall heart rate.

“An important feature of our technology-based intervention is that it could allow socially isolated older adults with dementia who are living at home, especially those in underserved communities where people are becoming more digitally connected, to receive remotely supervised chair yoga that provides physical, social and psychological benefits,” said Lisa Ann Kirk Wiese, Ph.D., co-author and an associate professor, FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Study co-authors are Keri Heilman, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Marlysa Sullivan and Jayshree Surage, both with the Maryland University of Integrative Health; Lillian Hung, Ph.D., an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair in Senior Care, University of British Columbia, School of Nursing; and Hyochol “Brian” Ahn, Ph.D., a professor and associate dean for research, Florida State University, College of Nursing.

“Results from our study can inform future research and practice in implementation of online chair yoga or other exercise program for promoting health and wellness in older adults with dementia living at home,” said Park.

This work was supported by FAU’s Division of Research, FAU’s Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention (I-Health) and the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at FAU Medicine

Advertisement
image 101376000 12222003

– FAU –

About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.

Source: Florida Atlantic University

Author


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading
Advertisement SodaStream USA, inc

health and wellness

Summer Skin Essentials: Time to switch up your skin care regimen for summer

Published

on

Summer Skin (Family Features) Summer is all about sunshine, vacations and outdoor adventures, but warmer weather and environmental changes can be harsh on your skin. Excessive sun exposure, sweating and dehydration can leave your skin feeling less than its best. Thankfully, with the right skin care essentials, you can maintain glowing, hydrated skin all season long. Explore top solutions for summer skin care, chosen from Herbacin’s Skin Solutions and Foot Care lines, and discover how they can restore and protect your skin from summer stressors no matter the adventure at herbacinusa.com. 17459 detail image embed1

Deep Cleansing for Radiant Skin

Summer heat makes oily, sweaty skin more common, leading to clogged pores and dullness. That’s why a gentle yet powerful exfoliation is crucial with a solution like Gentle Face Scrub, which is formulated with exfoliating jojoba wax particles to remove dead skin cells and cleanse deep into the pores. Infused with aloe vera, chamomile and marigold, this scrub eliminates impurities while promoting skin regeneration. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types and is free from parabens and mineral oils. How to Use: Apply the scrub 1-2 times per week for instantly smoother, brighter skin. 17459 detail image embed2

Hydration That Lasts All Day

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Try Daily Skin Moisturizer that offers 24-hour hydration thanks to its hyaluronic acid-rich formula. Enhanced with inositol for elasticity and fucose biopolymer for moisture retention, it deeply nourishes your skin without leaving an oily residue. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and perfect relief for sun exposure or after a day outdoors. Pro Tip: Apply this lightweight moisturizer as the final step in your morning skin care routine for all-day skin hydration. 17459 detail image embed3

Soothe and Clear Blemishes Quickly

Consider Anti-Blemish Gel to keep your skin clear and blemish free. Packed with soothing aloe vera, chamomile, marigold, panthenol and bisabolol, this targeted treatment promotes skin healing while drying out blemishes and reducing irritation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for tackling acne and preventing future breakouts. How to Use: Apply a small amount to blemishes several times a day until the irritation subsides. 17459 detail image embed4

Nourishment for Stressed and Rough Areas

Sun, saltwater and chlorine can cause specific areas of the body, like elbows and hands, to become rough and dehydrated. Designed to restore softness, this Special Care Cream improves skin elasticity in even the driest areas. Enriched with plant-based glycerin, allantoin and vitamin E, this cream provides intensive nourishment and protection without a greasy finish. Essential Tip: Apply regularly to areas prone to dryness for soft, smooth skin all summer. 17459 detail image embed5

Extra TLC for Your Feet

Between barefoot walks on the beach and sandal season, your feet deserve special attention. Take care of them with Herbacin’s Foot Care line, which includes a range of products such as Leg Lotion, Cooling Gel and Foot Cream, designed to revitalize tired legs and feet. Infused with active ingredients like red vine leaves and horse chestnut, these products boost circulation, tone the skin and prevent the formation of calluses and cracks. Step Up Your Routine:
  • Smooth on the Leg Lotion to nourish and protect legs and feet from dehydration.
  • Use the Cooling Gel after a long day to soothe sore legs.
  • Apply Foot Cream overnight to soften and maintain smooth, crack-free skin.
  Photo courtesy of Pexels (woman overlooking ocean)   collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Herbacin

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Author


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Consumer Corner

Tips to Control Summer Pests

Published

on

Summer Pests

Annoying Summer Pests

(Family Features) Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply relaxing in your backyard, reducing outdoor pests can help ensure a more pleasant experience. Summer pests like mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they can carry dangerous diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus and dengue fever. Enjoy a bite-free summer with these tips to enjoy mosquito-free outdoor spaces. Identify Common Breeding Grounds Understanding where mosquitoes breed is the first step in controlling them. Common breeding grounds include stagnant water sources such as bird baths, clogged gutters, poorly maintained pools and more. Even small amounts of standing water in planters or yard toys can create a breeding area. Regularly inspect your yard for potential breeding sites and take action to eliminate or treat them. Keep Pests from Entering Your Home Long-term mosquito control requires ongoing effort and strategic planning. Installing screens on windows and doors can prevent pests from entering your home, and putting up mosquito traps or an automatic misting system can provide continuous protection by reducing mosquito populations over time. Naturally Repel Mosquitos in Outdoor Areas From using outdoor fans – mosquitoes are weak fliers and can be thrown off by airflow – to strategically placing torches, candles or diffusers including essential oils like citronella, there are plenty of ways to naturally reduce your chances of being bitten. In addition to citronella, eucalyptus and lavender can be used to repel mosquitoes and planting marigolds, basil and lemon balm around your entertaining space can also help. Hire Pest Control Professionals When natural methods are insufficient, chemical solutions can offer more robust mosquito control. Insecticides like permethrin and DEET can be applied to clothing and outdoor areas to kill mosquitoes on contact and repel them for extended periods. If DIY solutions aren’t cutting it either, many professional pest control services offer mosquito fogging or misting systems, which cover large areas (like your yard) and provide long-lasting protection. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more summer lawn and garden tips and tricks.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock   collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: eLivingtoday.com

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

health and wellness

Get Proactive with Your Eye Health

Published

on

Eye Health

Eye Health

(Family Features) Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of permanent blindness, often does its damage silently – with no noticeable symptoms – as vision is lost. Glaucoma affects an estimated 3 million Americans, but most people don’t know they have the condition until it’s revealed in an eye exam. Once vision is lost, it cannot be recovered. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. That’s why when it comes to detecting and treating glaucoma, the earlier, the better. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and reduce vision, sometimes making objects look blurry or dark. Early on, most people don’t notice what’s happening, but as glaucoma progresses, you may notice some loss of peripheral vision. By this point, the disease has progressed significantly toward blindness, and treatment options may be limited. Diagnosing Glaucoma Regular eye exams, including specific glaucoma tests, are important for the early detection and diagnosis of glaucoma. If diagnosed early, an eye doctor can recommend treatment to manage glaucoma and help prevent vision loss. “Many patients are surprised to learn glaucoma often presents with no initial symptoms,” said Oluwatosin U. Smith, MD, glaucoma specialist and ophthalmologist at Glaucoma Associates of Texas. “That’s why routine, comprehensive eye exams are so vital. These screenings allow us to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, often before any vision loss occurs. Early diagnosis and treatment are the cornerstone of effective glaucoma management and it empowers us to take proactive steps to protect your vision.” To check for glaucoma, your eye doctor tests your eye pressure, peripheral vision and overall eye health. The painless screening is the only way to accurately diagnose the condition and determine appropriate treatment. Traditional Glaucoma Treatment For decades, prescription eye drops have been the most common treatment to help lower eye pressure and slow the progression of the disease. Although prescription eye drops are commonly prescribed and generally effective at lowering eye pressure, they can cause challenges and unwanted side effects, including redness, irritation, burning, stinging or difficulty putting them in the eye. In addition, patients may find it difficult to remember to take their eye drops every day, and missing doses – even by accident – can put vision at risk by allowing eye pressure to rise unchecked. When prescription eye drops are unsuccessful at controlling eye pressure or managing glaucoma, an eye doctor may change treatment by prescribing additional prescription eye drops, which can make the challenges and inconveniences associated with prescription eye drops worse. 17370 detail image embed1 Modern Glaucoma Management Takes a Proactive Approach Modern glaucoma management is evolving with a shift from reactive – that is, take prescription eye drops and “watch and wait” until glaucoma progresses before exploring alternative treatment – to proactive management. Taking a proactive approach to glaucoma treatment means choosing a minimally invasive procedure earlier in the treatment journey to help slow the progression of glaucoma and minimize vision loss while reducing the challenges of daily prescription eye drops. “The shift toward a more proactive approach represents a significant advancement in how we manage glaucoma,” Smith said. “Traditionally, we waited for vision loss before a procedural intervention. However, with modern minimally invasive procedures, we can now proactively lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve much earlier. This approach helps us preserve our patients’ vision and quality of life for longer. I encourage anyone with a glaucoma diagnosis, or those with risk factors, to discuss proactive options with their ophthalmologist.”
  • Procedural pharmaceuticals, or drug delivery systems, may include tiny, FDA-approved implants that deliver medication continuously to help lower eye pressure and protect vision.
  • Micro-invasive, or minimally invasive, glaucoma surgery involves less-invasive procedures, devices (such as stents) and techniques with faster recovery times than traditional surgeries.
  • Laser treatment commonly involves a laser being aimed through a special lens onto the drainage system of the eye, triggering a natural change that helps fluid drain from the eye to lower pressure.
These treatments may be used in combination with prescription eye drops or on their own. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with glaucoma, visit livingwithglaucoma.com to learn more and help manage the condition.   Photos courtesy of Shutterstock   collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Glaukos

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Trending