The ActiFE study (Activity and Function in seniors in Ulm) was first conducted in 2009 as a representative survey of the population aged 65+ in the city of Ulm, Neu-Ulm and the Alb-Donau district and is to be continued as a longitudinal study. The ActiFE study centres on physical activity, which was recorded in detail using a movement sensor. In collaboration with European co-operation partners, other aspects such as asthma and COPD (IMCA II) and osteoarthritis in old age (EPOSA) are also included.
In this way, it will be possible to analyse how physical activity affects geriatric symptoms such as falls and functional limitations, as well as the frequency of illnesses, over time.
| In co-operation with | AGAPLESION Bethesda Hospital |
The IMCA-ActiFE study is an interdisciplinary project involving members of the Competence Centre Geriatrics Ulm and other departments.
The main focus is on recording lung function, physical activity and the frequency of falls in old age with all their facets. These are closely linked, as impaired lung function often reduces the extent of movement and thus participation in public life and increases the frequency of falls. This has an impact on the quality of life and well-being of those affected. Diseases characterised by impaired lung function, so-called "chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases", have become increasingly common in recent years and will be the fifth most common cause of death in 12 years' time. The risk of developing the disease increases slightly with increasing age and the associated risk of hospitalisation rises very sharply, by a factor of almost 10 (1,000 admissions per 1 million population aged 45-64 compared to 10,000 admissions per 1 million population aged 75-84). Due to the increasing ageing of our society, a further increase in these diseases is to be expected in the coming decades.
New technical aids are used to determine exercise and lung function. The test subjects are asked to wear a movement sensor that records an exact picture of their everyday activities over a week. It is also important to record falls. In old age, fall-related accidents account for 70 per cent of all fatal accidents and 30 per cent of older people fall every year.
As the frequency of falls contributes just as much to everyday disability in old age and the links between physical activity and falls have not yet been clearly established, better insights are expected. In addition, the combination of precise movement measurement and lung function in this age group is unique to date and will provide new insights into the links between lung function, movement and physical and mental health. It is hoped that this will lead to improved needs planning and care for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lack of exercise and regular falls in the future.
Contribution of the Institute | Head of Office of the study Development of the study design and implementation of the survey Data collection and data management Statistical analysis |
| Participants in the project | Competence Centre Geriatrics Ulm: |
| Project funding | EU (IMCA), Competence Centre Geriatrics Ulm (ActiFE) |
| Duration | 2009 to 2010 |
EPOSA is a population-based study on osteoarthritis. This study makes it possible to assess the personal and social consequences of this disease in older people in the six participating countries (Germany, the Netherlands, England, Italy, Sweden, Spain). In addition to identifying differences in the course of the disease and physical limitations, other factors such as environmental influences, e.g. physical activity or the function of pain perception, will be investigated as possible influencing factors for the course of osteoarthritis, as well as for the limitation of individual quality of life. Knowledge of the pathological mechanisms of osteoarthritis is an important prerequisite for the development of targeted preventive and therapeutic measures.
Contribution of the Institute | Development of the study design and implementation of the survey in Ulm and the surrounding area Data collection and data management of the German part of the study Statistical analysis |
| Project funding | Private funding |
| Duration | 2010 to 2012 |
A set of indicators for monitoring chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma was developed in the previous IMCA I project. In IMCA II, data on these indicators is now being collected specifically, on the one hand from routine data and on the other from previously conducted international studies on respiratory health. In addition, a new study specifically geared to the IMCA indicators is being conducted in 5 study centres. In Ulm, this study is being conducted in collaboration with the Competence Centre for Geriatrics and has been expanded to include the geriatric part ActiFE.
Contribution of the institute | Development of the study design and implementation of the survey in Ulm and the surrounding area Data collection and data management of the Ulm study Statistical analysis |
| Project funding | European Commission, Directorate General for Health and Consumer Affairs (DG SANCO) |
| Duration | 2007 to 2009 |
