Espaly Saint Marcel

This research aims to find out if ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) devices can reduce serious respiratory infections in elderly people living in nursing homes. The study is conducted in 12 nursing homes in central France, starting in October 2024, with results expected by mid-2026. It focuses on whether active UVGI devices lower the number of severe respiratory infections that require oxygen therapy, hospitalization, or cause death. The nursing homes will have UVGI devices installed in common areas like dining rooms and lounges. These devices can be turned off by installing an invisible filter, and the process will be done by a technical team without the knowledge of care staff or researchers. Nursing homes will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will have the devices active for the first 7-month period and deactivated for the second 7-month period, while the other group will have the opposite schedule. These two 7-month periods will occur over two consecutive years from October 1 to April 30, separated each year by a 5-month wash-out period when all devices are off. Participants include all residents in the nursing homes at the start or who move in during the study periods. Researchers will track the incidence of severe upper and lower respiratory infections from enrollment through 19 months later. The study monitors infections leading to serious outcomes and compares the effects of active versus inactive UVGI devices during the study periods. Privacy preferences of residents who do not want their data used will be respected.

Falls among people over 65 in France cause significant health problems, including many deaths and hospitalizations each year. This research evaluates how mobility changes in older adults living in nursing homes after participating in a foot health program. The study focuses on the impact of 12 workshops led by a health professional that include the use of minimalist shoes to address fall risk factors. The program consists of three parts over 12 weeks. The first three weeks involve weekly individual foot massages and foot stimulation exercises. Weeks four to six include weekly workshops on foot mobility, posture, and walking, introducing minimalist shoes provided free to participants. During weeks seven to twelve, participants continue the workshops while wearing the minimalist shoes, which they keep for independent use outside the sessions. Participants will be assessed before and immediately after the program to observe changes in their mobility. The study involves monitoring how well participants perform in the workshops and use the minimalist shoes. Researchers measure mobility evolution as the primary outcome, supporting efforts to improve independence and reduce fall risks in elderly nursing home residents.