A Home-Based Intervention to Improve Balance, Gait and Self-Confidence in Older Adults

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kathleen Williams, Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The effects of a low- to moderate-intensity balance program for older adults emphasizing self-efficacy information were examined. Participants were assigned to an exercise group with a self-efficacy intervention or as exercise-only controls. Efficacy information focused on mastery experiences and social persuasion. Older adults were pre- and post-tested before a 16-week, self-paced program. Post-testing revealed that adherence was higher for the efficacy intervention group. No significant main or interaction effects occurred for balance and mobility measures (p > .05). The efficacy intervention in this investigation resulted in greater adherence to activity, without concomitant improvements in balance and mobility. Results suggested that mastery information given participants was not sufficiently salient to result in balance improvements.

Additional Information

Publication
Activities, Adaptation and Aging, 27, 1-16.
Language: English
Date: 2002
Keywords
Aging, Balance, Exercise intervention

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