Age does not hamper the response to pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD patients

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves health status and exercise tolerance, but not respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of the study was to identify predictors of improvement in the 6-min walked distance (6'WD) in elderly COPD patients after PR. Methods: this was a prospective observational study performed in an ambulatory rehabilitation setting. The authors enrolled 74 patients aged 65-83 years (mean: 74.2, SD: 4.4) with stable COPD in GOLD stage 3-4. About half (45.6%) of them had a basal O2 saturation of 90% or less. After a baseline multi-dimensional assessment, patients underwent a 20-session rehabilitation cycle including training of the upper and lower extremities, and respiratory exercises, along with education sessions.

Hearing Disability Assessment - Report of the Expert Hearing Group

In November 1997, the Department of Health and Children established an expert group to examine and make recommendations on an appropriate system and criteria for the assessment of hearing disability arising from hearing loss, with particular reference to noise induced hearing loss. The group was to prepare a report for the Minister for Health and Children. Download the Report here