The effects of physical activity throughout a 12-week balance intervention program in older adults with fall-risk

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Amanda D. Barclift (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Louisa Raisbeck

Abstract: Falls are a major public health concern, especially for older adults. The rate of older adult falls is expected to increase over the next decade. One of the main factors that contributes to falls is a decline in balance. Maintaining balance is important for the safe execution of daily activities. The current fall prevention literature suggests that balance exercise is most effective in reducing falls and fall related injuries. Balance interventions have focused mainly on the biomechanics overlooking behavioral strategies that are related to instructions. A body of literature specific to instructional cues examines attentional focus. Attentional focus has been categorized into an external focus (EF) (directs the performer’s attention to the effects of the movement) and an internal focus (IF) (directs the performer’s attention to the movement itself). An EF instruction has shown to enhance performance in several different motor tasks and skills. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between exercise (duration/intensity) completed outside of a 12-week balance training intervention with EF or IF instructions and postural control (Xsens and Btracks), physical function (FGA, BBS, and TUG), balance confidence (ABC-6), fear of movement (TSK), and quality of life (SF-36) in older adults with elevated fall risk. Change scores were determined by finding the difference between baseline (week 0) and after the balance training (week 12). The hypotheses were: (1) Regardless of group assignment, greater exercise minutes will be significantly associated with greater positive change scores for FGA, BBS, TUG, ABC-6, TSK, and SF-36 and greater negative change scores for postural control, and (2) Regardless of group assignment, greater vigorous exercise minutes will be significantly associated with greater positive change scores for FGA, BBS, TUG, ABC-6, TSK, and SF-36 and greater negative change scores for postural control, but light exercise and moderate exercise will not.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2020
Keywords
Attentional focus, Balance, Fall risk, Older adults, Physical activity
Subjects
Falls (Accidents) in old age $x Prevention
Exercise for older people $x Health aspects
Equilibrium (Physiology)

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