scholarly journals Feldenkrais Movement Lessons Improve Older Adults’ Awareness, Comfort, and Function

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 233372141772401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn F. Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Original Sample ◽  
Forward Movement ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Optimal Score ◽  
And Function ◽  
Base Of Support

This prospective controlled intervention study assessed Feldenkrais Moving Forward movement lessons for older adults. Participants ( N = 87 returning from original sample of 124; median age = 76 years) were assigned to movement ( n = 51) or waitlist control ( n = 36) groups. The movement groups took twelve 60-min lessons across either 6 or 12 weeks, to compare lesson density. Pretests and posttests included Base of Support, Timed Up and Go, Tandem Stance, Functional Reach, modified OPTIMAL, and questions about individual priorities and outcomes. Results included significant correlations between lessons attended and both improved Functional Reach and improved OPTIMAL score. A significantly higher proportion of the movement (vs. control) group reported positive changes at the posttest in both prioritized and newly identified activities. These results show that Feldenkrais lessons are helpful to older adults for promoting balance, mobility, and confidence.

scholarly journals Balance a few years after total hip replacement

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Wareńczak ◽  
Przemysław Lisiński
Keyword(s):  
Total Hip Replacement ◽  
Hip Replacement ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Total Hip ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test

Abstract Background: The aim of the study was to conduct a long-term evaluation of whether total hip replacement permanently affects the quality of postural reactions and body balance. Material and methods: The unilateral Total Hip Replacement (THR) group consisted of 30 subjects (mean age: 69.4). The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects (mean age: 68.8). The force platform and functional tests such as Timed Up and Go, 3m walk test, Functional Reach Test, 30s Chair Stand Test, Step Test and Berg Balance Scale were used to assess dynamic balance. Results: Subjects from the study group exhibited significantly increased time (p=0.002) and distance (p=0.012) in the tests performed on the force platform compared to the control group. We also observed worse balance and functional test scores in the THR group: Timed Up and Go test (p<0.001), 3m walk test (p<0.001), Functional Reach Test (p=0.003), 30s Chair Stand Test (p=0.002) and Step Test (operated leg: p<0.001, non-operated leg: p=0.002). The results obtained in the Berg Balance Scale tests were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.597). Conclusions: Our research shows that total hip replacement permanently impairs patients’ dynamic balance and functionality in certain lower-extremity activities. Keywords: balance, total hip replacement, gait, muscle strength

Does The Timed Up And Go Test Reflect Physical Activity And Function In Community Dwelling Older Adults? Results From The SENIOR Project

2005 ◽  
Vol 37 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. S257
Author(s):  
Carol E. Garber ◽  
Deborah Riebe ◽  
Mary L. Greaney ◽  
Patricia M. Burbank ◽  
Faith D. Lees ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Senior Project ◽  
And Function ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

scholarly journals Efficacy of an Integrated Training Device in Improving Muscle Strength, Balance, and Cognitive Ability in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-324
Author(s):  
Choong-Hee Roh ◽  
Da-Sol Kim ◽  
Gi-Wook Kim ◽  
Yu-Hui Won ◽  
Sung-Hee Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Mini Mental State Examination ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Training Device ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
State Examination ◽  
Healthy Participants

Objective To determine the effects of an integrated training device for strength and balance on extremity muscle strength, postural balance, and cognition in older adults using a combination with various rehabilitation training games, in which balance, strength, and cognitive training were configured in a single device.Methods This prospective study included 20 healthy participants aged 65–85 years. Participants trained for 30 minutes daily, 3 days weekly, for 6 weeks with an integrated training device for strength and balance (SBT-120; Man&Tel Inc., Gumi, Korea). Main outcomes were measured using the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Manual Muscle Test. Measurements were taken at three time points: T0 (pretreatment), T1 (immediately after treatment), and T2 (4 weeks after treatment).Results All 20 patients completed the training, and TUG, FRT, and BBS scores significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Mean TUG scores decreased by 0.99±2.00 at T1 and 1.05±1.55 at T2 compared to T0. Mean FRT scores increased by 6.13±4.26 at T1 and 6.75±4.79 at T2 compared to T0. BBS scores increased by 0.60±0.94 at T1 and 0.45±1.15 at T2 compared to T0. Moreover, muscle strength and cognition (K-MMSE and K-MoCA scores) increased after training.Conclusion Our findings suggest that an integrated training device for strength and balance can be a safe and useful tool for older adults.

scholarly journals Effects of water aerobics on posture alignment and risk of falls of older adults: an intervention study

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Costa Ibiapina Reis ◽  
Marcos Antônio Pereira dos Santos ◽  
Camila Feitosa da Costa ◽  
Edna Maria Silva Araújo ◽  
Luiz Roberto Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Body Segments ◽  
Experimental Intervention ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Falls In Older Adults

ABSTRACT Considering that aging leads to losses in postural control and balance, our objective was to analyze the effects of water aerobics on posture alignment and risk of falls in older adults. A quasi-experimental intervention study included 49 older adults in the Intervention Group (IG) and 34 in the Control Group (CG). A plumbed symmetrograph assessed posture alignment, while a Time Up & Go test determined the fall risk. The IG performed water aerobics twice a week for three months. Posture alignment significantly improved in most body segments assessed for the IG, and worsened in the CG. The low risk of falls in the IG increased by 28% in relation to the CG. We concluded that water aerobics improved posture alignment and reduced fall risk in older adults.

scholarly journals Age suit simulation replicates in healthy young adults the functional challenges to balance experienced by older adults: an observational study

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjstel-2021-000867
Author(s):  
Carole Anne Watkins ◽  
Ellie Higham ◽  
Michael Gilfoyle ◽  
Charley Townley ◽  
Sue Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Normative Values ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Age Simulation ◽  
Positive Effect

BackgroundAge simulation can have a positive effect on empathic understanding and perception of ageing. However, there is limited evidence for its ability to replicate objectively the physical and functional challenges of ageing.ObjectiveTo observe whether age suit simulation can replicate in healthy young adults the physical and physiological balance disturbance and falls risk experienced by older adults.MethodologyHealthy young adults aged 20–40 years (16 male) were recruited to the study using convenience sampling from a student population. Participants performed three validated balance tests—Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS)—first without the age suit and then with the age suit, using a standardised protocol, following the same sequence.Results30 participants completed all tests. Statistically significant differences between without-age-suit and with-age-suit performance were recorded for FRT distance (p<0.000005), time taken to complete the TUG (p<0.0005) and BBS score (p<0.001). A comparison of participant scores with normative FRT and TUG scores identified that the suit had ‘aged’ the majority of participants to the normative values for older adults (60+), with some reaching the values for individuals aged 70–89. However, no scores achieved the values indicative of increased falls risk.ConclusionsThe age suit is a valid educational tool that extends the value of age simulation beyond a more general empathising role, enabling those working with an older population to experience and understand the functional challenges to balance experienced by older adults as part of their training.

Exercise using a foam bead bag improves balance and lower extremity strength in older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Akkradate Siriphorn ◽  
Siriporn Vongsaiyat Siriphorn ◽  
Kittaphon Sawatthuk ◽  
Kanjana Temvorasub ◽  
Malinee Auttawut
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Lower Extremities ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Lower Extremity Strength

Background/AimsBalance training using unstable support surfaces is widely used in clinics and research and can reduce the risk of falls in older people. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an exercise programme using a foam bead bag on older adults' ability to balance and the strength of their lower extremities and compare the effect with no exercise and foam pad exercise using the same programme.MethodsA total of 24 older adults were allocated into one of three groups: control (n=8), foam pad exercise (n=8) and foam bead bag exercise (n=8). The foam pad exercise and foam bead bag exercise groups carried out a programme consisting of 30 minutes of exercise performed twice a week for 5 weeks. The control group did not participate in an exercise programme. Participants' balance abilities were measured using the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale, the Timed Up and Go Test and the Single-Leg Stance Test. The strength of their lower extremities was measured using the 30-second sit-to-stand test.ResultsThe Fullerton Advanced Balance scale and 30-second sit-to-stand scores significantly improved in the foam pad exercise and foam bead bag exercise groups. Both of these groups also demonstrated significant improvements in Timed Up and Go tests. The amount of time that participants were able to stand on one leg while unassisted significantly increased in the foam bead bag group only. No significant differences were found in balance ability or lower extremity strength in the control group.ConclusionsA foam bead bag is a suitable alternative to a foam pad when performing exercises to improve balance and strength of the lower extremities in older adults.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Treadmill Training Programme in Improving the Postural Balance on Institutionalized Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Natalia Moya Pereira ◽  
Marcel Jean Pierre Massè Araya ◽  
Marcos Eduardo Scheicher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Postural Balance ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Treadmill Walking ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Before And After

Background. Institutionalized older adults have increased gait and balance impairment compared with community-dwelling older adults. The use of the treadmill for the rehabilitation process has been studied in different groups, but not in the institutionalized elderly. Objectives. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a treadmill walking workout program on the postural balance of institutionalized older adults. Methods. Postural balance was assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), gait speed, and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) on 37 institutionalized older adults (23 in the intervention group and 14 in the control group). Training consisted of a 20-minute treadmill walking workout carried out twice a week for 10 weeks. Measurements were obtained before and after 10 weeks and with 1 month of follow-up for the intervention group. For the control group, the data were obtained before and after the training period. Results. Significant improvement occurred in all motor function parameters (BBS: p<0.01; gait speed: p<0.001; SPPB: p<0.001; and TUG: p<0.001). Conclusions. The present results permit us to conclude that a treadmill walking program had positive effects on the postural balance of institutionalized older adults.

scholarly journals Pilot Outcomes of a Multicomponent Fall Risk Program Integrated Into Daily Lives of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482091266
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Szanton ◽  
Lindy Clemson ◽  
Minhui Liu ◽  
Laura N. Gitlin ◽  
Melissa D. Hladek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Fall Risk Factors

Objectives: To evaluate whether a fall prevention intervention reduces fall risk in older adults who have previously fallen. Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial. Setting: Participants’ homes. Intervention: LIVE-LiFE, adapted from Lifestyle-Intervention Functional Exercise (LiFE) integrates strength and balance training into daily habits in eight visits over 12 weeks. The adaptations to LiFE were to also provide (a) US$500 in home safety changes, (b) vision contrast screening and referral, and (c) medication recommendations. Control condition consisted of fall prevention materials and individualized fall risk summary. Measurement: Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Tandem stand. Falls efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of the intervention. Results: Sample ( N = 37) was 65% female, 65% White, and average 77 years. Compared with the control group, each outcome improved in the intervention. The LIVE-LiFE intervention had a large effect (1.1) for tandem stand, moderate (0.5) in falls efficacy, and small (0.1) in the TUG. Conclusion: Simultaneously addressing preventable fall risk factors is feasible.

Comparing the Effects of Single-Task versus Dual-Task Balance Training on Gait Smoothness and Functional Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Samira Javadpour ◽  
Ehsan Sinaei ◽  
Reza Salehi ◽  
Shahla Zahednejad ◽  
Alireza Motealleh
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Training Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

To compare the effects of single- versus dual-task balance training on the gait smoothness and balance of community-dwelling older adults, 69 volunteers were randomized to single-, dual-task training, and control (no intervention) groups. Exercises were received in 18 sessions through 6 weeks. The gait smoothness was measured by the harmonic ratio of trunk accelerations using a triaxial accelerometer. Balance performance was assessed through the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, Timed Up and Go test, Activities-specific Balance Confidence, and gait speed. After the trial, all variables improved significantly in the training groups. Moreover, differences in the mean change of all variables, except the Timed Up and Go test, were statistically significant between the interventional groups and the control group, but no significant difference was reported between the two training groups. This study suggests that balance training can improve gait smoothness as well as balance status in healthy older adults.

Comparison of Older Adult Performance during the Functional-Reach and Limits-of-Stability Tests

2005 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Clark ◽  
Peter W. Iltis ◽  
Crystal J. Anthony ◽  
Andrea Toews
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Cross Correlation ◽  
Lower Leg ◽  
Task Constraints ◽  
Limits Of Stability ◽  
Adult Performance ◽  
Functional Reach ◽  
Angular Displacements ◽  
Base Of Support

Despite widespread use of the functional-reach (FR) and limits-of-stability (LOS) tests, comparisons of postural strategies and postural limits for these tests have not been previously reported. The purpose of this study was to compare postural strategies as determined by cross-correlation analyses of trunk and lower leg angular displacements and postural limits as assessed by maximum center-of-gravity (COG) excursions as older adults at low fall risk completed the FR and LOS tests. Fourteen older adults completed three FR and LOS trials while standing on a Balance Master® force platform. Results indicated that despite relatively similar instructions to reach or lean as far as possible without losing balance or altering the base of support, their performance differed with regard to postural strategies employed and maximum COG excursions produced. These findings suggest that because of differences in task constraints, FR and LOS tests should not be used interchangeably.

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