Physical Therapy Commons^™

A Comparison Study Of Depression In The Elderly: Traveling South Versus Staying In The Midwest For The Winter, Sandra M. Zieffler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Depression is the primary mental health disorder in the elderly (people 65 years old and older). As the elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States, an increasing number of elders will be affected by this illness. The purpose of this study was to compare depression in the elderly between those who stay in the Midwest (Minnesota or North Dakota) year-round and those who travel south for all or part of the winter. A four-page self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 227 people thought to be at least 65 years old. The questionnaire consisted of background …

The Effects Of Exercise On The Elderly Population: A Literature Review, Angela M. Thoreson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of those 65 years old or older has increased dramatically over the past several decades and will continue to grow well into the 21 st Century. This change in U.S. demography has also led to an increased interest in geriatric medicine and the implications physical activity has on the social, medical, and economical aspects of treating this patient population.

Research has shown that people who participate regularly in aerobic activity have lower mortality and morbidity rates, even if an exercise program is started later in life. Moderate exercise has been proven to be an important part of treatment …

Environmental Illumination In Relation To Balance Performance In Healthy Community-Dwelling Elders, Laura Habermann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects low levels of lighting have on balance in healthy, community dwelling elders. The balance of 14 volunteer subjects (13 females and 1 male) who are older than 65, who live in · the community and who are generally healthy was tested. Each subject's balance was tested in both optimal and poor lighting conditions using the functional reach balance assessment tool. Subjects were given two practice trials and were then instructed to reach three times in each condition while the researcher measured the amount of light in the room and the …

Lower Extremity Strength Training To Decrease Falls In The Elderly, Kelly L. Spadolini

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

p>As the elderly population grows, the health care needs of people over the age of sixty-five will dominate the medical profession. Methods of prevention of health problems are key to providing the optimal medical care. Falling has been reported as the most prevalent means of injury in older people. One third of all seniors living in the community and one half of those residing in nursing homes fall each year. Research indicates that elderly people who fall have weaker lower extremity strength than elderly people who do not fall. As a result, some clinicians have incorporated strengthening regiments into …

Polypharmacy And Physical Therapy In The Geriatric Population, Cathy A. Reuer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists are seeing more and more elderly individuals with acute, chronic, or multiple disease conditions. Many of these conditions are treated with medications. It is common for the geriatric patient to be taking multiple medications. Polypharmacy is a relevant concern for physical therapists as adverse effects are often revealed in the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. These manifestations can cause adverse effects in evaluation, treatment, and outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to discuss the common non-prescription and prescription medications consumed by the elderly, describe the biologic and physiologic changes that occur with age and how these changes …

Physical Therapy Interventions For Falls In The Elderly, Melanie Benson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The elderly in America represent a population that is continually growing. As part of the aging process, various changes occur that contribute to falls. Therefore, as the number of elderly people in America increases, the possibility of falls in the elderly also increases.

The consequences of falls in the elderly are significant. Some of the more serious consequences include functional decline, increased medical cost, and death. Therefore, the scope of the problem is clear; strategies to prevent falls and treat those who have fallen are indicated.

The purpose of this independent study is to review the literature pertaining to falls …

Balance Exercise For Fall Prevention In The Elderly, Lorrina Mcclellan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Falls are a very common and serious problem in the elderly population. Individuals who fall may suffer from physical trauma, psychological problems, and possible death. In the past, falls were thought to be an unavoidable occurrence that accompanied aging. Research has .recently identified risk factors that may predict those who are at risk for falling. By recognizing and then modifying these risk factors, potential falls may be prevented. Examples of risk factors that occur with aging include visual impairments, vestibular decline, deterioration of muscle strength, decrease in joint flexibility, and the loss of sensation. Natural biological declines may have profound …

Guidelines And Benefits For Exercising The Elderly, Nita Farbo

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of elderly individuals is continually growing due to advancements in medicine and technology. Several physiological and psychological changes occur throughout the aging process. Regular physical activity is an effective therapy for slowing the aging process and preventing many of the conditions that occur with aging, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. In addition, the active individual is more independent and functional in his or her activities of daily living compared to the person who remains sedentary. Older individuals who maintain functional levels of flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance are rarely candidates for nursing …