Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Multifactorial Exercise Intervention Decreases Falls Risk In High-Risk And Low-Risk Older Adults, Amanda Estep, Steven Morrison, Shane V. Caswell, Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, João R. Vaz, Nelson Cortes

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Each year, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 years of age will experience a fall. It is important to identify and address modifiable risk factors that are associated with falls in adults at high and low risk for falls.

Hypothesis: Falls risk improves in both high-risk and low-risk participants with the implementation of Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL).

Study Design: Cohort study.

Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Methods: Seventy-eight older adults (age, 70.9 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study and categorized into high risk and low risk for falling based on the …

A Dynamical Systems Approach To Characterizing Brain–Body Interactions During Movement: Challenges, Interpretations, And Recommendations, Derek C. Monroe, Nathaniel T. Berry, Peter C. Fino, Christopher K. Rhea

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Brain–body interactions (BBIs) have been the focus of intense scrutiny since the inception of the scientific method, playing a foundational role in the earliest debates over the philosophy of science. Contemporary investigations of BBIs to elucidate the neural principles of motor control have benefited from advances in neuroimaging, device engineering, and signal processing. However, these studies generally suffer from two major limitations. First, they rely on interpretations of ‘brain’ activity that are behavioral in nature, rather than neuroanatomical or biophysical. Second, they employ methodological approaches that are inconsistent with a dynamical systems approach to neuromotor control. These limitations represent a …

Sagittal Plane Gait Kinematics In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability, Matthew C. Hoch, David R. Mullineaux, Kyoungkyu Jeon, Patrick O. Mckeon

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Single joint kinematic alterations have been identified during gait in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). The purpose of this study was to compare sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle kinematics during walking in participants with and without CAI. Twelve individuals with CAI and 12 healthy individuals walked on a treadmill at 1.5 m/s. Three-dimensional kinematics were analyzed using mean ensemble curves and independent t tests. Participants with CAI demonstrated less lower extremity flexion during the absorption phase of stance and the limb placement phase of swing, which may have implications for limb placement at initial contact.

Hip Strengthening Compared With Quadriceps Strengthening In Conservative Treatment Of Patients With Patellofemoral Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic, Chyrsten L. Regelski, Brittany L. Ford, Matthew C. Hoch

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Clinical Scenario: Patellofemoral pain is a common injury that affects both athletic and sedentary populations. Clinicians may treat patellofemoral pain more effectively through a comprehensive understanding of the most effective exercise protocols. Clinical Question: In patients with patellofemoral pain, are hip abductor and external rotator muscle strengthening exercises more effective in reducing pain and improving patient-reported function compared with isolated quadriceps strengthening? Summary of Key Findings: A comprehensive and systematic database search was conducted for studies of level 2 evidence or higher. The search yielded 253 studies; of these studies, four randomized control trials and one comparative control trial fit …

Balance Training Reduces Falls Risk In Older Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes, Steven Morrison, Sheri R. Colberg, Mita Mariano, Henri K. Parson, Arthur I. Vinik

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE - This study assessed the effects of balance/strength training on falls risk and posture in older individuals with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Sixteen individuals with type 2 diabetes and 21 age-matched control subjects (aged 50-75 years) participated. Postural stability and falls risk was assessed before and after a 6-week exercise program.

RESULTS - Diabetic individuals had significantly higher falls risk score compared with control subjects. The diabetic group also exhibited evidence of mild-to-moderate neuropathy, slower reaction times, and increased postural sway. Following exercise, the diabetic group showed significant improvements in leg strength, faster reaction times, …