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Effects Of Generic Group-Based Versus Personalized Individual-Based Exercise Programs On Balance, Gait, And Functional Performance Of Older Adults With Mild Balance Dysfunction And Living In Residential Care Facilities - A Randomized Controlled Trial, Varatharajan Lingam

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background and Purpose: To investigate the effect of an individualized exercise program versus a generic group-based exercise program on balance, gait, and functional performance of older adults categorized as having mild balance dysfunction and living in residential care facilities. Methods: Single blind randomized control design. One hundred-twenty residents fulfilled screening criteria for mild balance dysfunction based on the BioSwayTM balance and the Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT) primary outcome measures. Secondary assessment was completed using the Modified Physical Performance Test (PPT), hand-held dynamometer (lower-limb muscle strength testing), and gait speed analysis. Sixty subjects received individualized treatment from physical therapists (8 weeks). …

Effect Of Individual Height And Testing Methods On Outcome Of The Forward Functional Reach Test, Jill Elaine Heitzman

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: With falls a leading cause of injuries among those over age 65, early recognition of risk is imperative to reduce rising rates. The Forward Functional Reach test (FFRT) (Duncan et al., 1990) is frequently used to identify fall risk, however, the variability in cut values found in the research may be related to height and reach strategies.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if FFRT is affected by an individual’s height and if bilateral reach to height ratio could more accurately identify fall risk.

Methods: Sixty-six participants (60 and older) were recruited from a senior center …

Effect Of Stance Symmetry On Perturbation-Induced Protective Stepping In Persons Poststroke And Controls, Katherine M. Martinez

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Problem Statement: Stepping is a common strategy after a perturbation. Stroke survivors display a predilection for stepping with non-paretic leg. Insight into induced stepping between stroke survivors and age-matched control may guide our understanding for reactive postural control training post stroke. Purpose: To investigate the difference in perturbation-induced stepping between chronic stroke survivors and age-matched controls at three phases of the stepping response: preparation, execution, and landing and association with clinical outcome measures. Procedure: Twenty-one community-dwelling chronic stroke survivors (mean age 59y/o ±13yrs) and 17 age- and gender-matched controls (mean age 54.4y/o ±17yrs) completed this study. Clinical measures of gait, …