"Accelerometer derived movement patterns in older people with diabetes and varying functional status"

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a rising epidemic and a global healthcare concern, especially in the older age group and it may be viewed as a disease of accelerated ageing. People with diabetes are at increased risk for frailty and disability due to reduced muscle mass, strength and function. Preceding the onset of disability and frailty is a long period of deterioration in physical function. Studies have shown that worse glucose control was associated with frailty and disability in this population. In order to assess physical function, clinicians rely mostly on physical tests which allow quantitative comparisons of performance, but are restricted to use in a clinical environment and require supervision. Recent advances in technology have led to an increase use in wearable-sensors such as the accelerometer targeting to assess functional balance and mobility, by recording continues movement patterns. Identifying such patterns may allow clinicians to detect and treat the patient in early stages of the deterioration. Little is known regarding the continuous movement patterns and glucose fluctuation in different levels of physical function among older people with T2D. Current talk will address these issues by presenting our research.

Bio: Tal Yahalom-Peri, is a PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, in Tel Aviv University, under the supervision of Prof. Tali Cukierman–Yaffe and Dr. Einat Kodesh. Her research aim is to assess and characterize the relationship between physical capacity, movement patterns, physical activity and glycemic control in older people with type 2 diabetes. The research takes place at the Center for Successful Aging with Diabetes, Sheba Medical Center where she worked as the center's coordinator and a physical trainer. Tal did her Master degree in Learning, Curriculum and Instruction (in University of Haifa) specializing in Physical education (in the academic college at Wingate). Tal's master thesis topic was "The Effect of Exercise Training Programs – Step and Stability Ball – On Static Balance, Dynamic Balance, Risk of Falls and Quality of Life in Older Adults". Tal is a teacher at the academic college at Wingate in the department of physical activity for the elderly and a group fitness course coordinator and teacher at the "Hagymnasia", Tel-Aviv.