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allied
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Journal of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine
Volume 1, Issue 1
Euro Physiotherapy 2017
Page 23
December 07-08, 2017 Rome, Italy
4
th
Euro-Global Physiotherapy Congress 2017
Notes:
The effect of a 5-week group-based exercise
program on strength, balance, mobility, and
gait in the older adult population: A pilot
study
Carol A Maritz, Chopra S, Dougherty C, Johnston M, Curran G
and
Maritz C A
University of the Sciences, USA
Background
: Falls are also the fifth leading cause of
death among adults aged 65 years and older. Lower
extremity weakness and decreased balance are two
important risk factors associated with falls in the older
population. Current research suggests that in order to
produce effective outcomes, an exercise program for
older adults needs to be at least 10 weeks in length.
Methods
: 18 of 23 participants over the age of 60 years
(17 female, 1 male; mean age 74 years) completed this
pre-test-post-test design. The participants tested on the
following outcome measures: 30-second Chair Stand
test for lower extremity strength, Four Square Step test
(FSST) for dynamic balance, timed up and go (TUG) test
for mobility, Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale
(ABC) for balance confidence and GAITRite® for forward
and backward walking velocity. Participants attended a
45-minute group-based exercise program twice a week
for 5 weeks at a local church. The program included a
5-minute warm up, 10 minutes of stretching, 20 minutes
of strengthening for both upper and lower extremities with
resistance as well as core work, 5 minutes of balance
training and 5 minutes of cool down exercises.
Results
: A significant difference was found in the pre- and
post-test measures of backward gait velocity (p=.034),
forward gait velocity (p=.016), 30-second Chair Stand Test
(p=.001), TUG (p=.022), and the FSST (p=.001). Although
there were no statistically significant differences found in
the ABC scale, the overall scores increased.
Conclusion
: This 5-week group-based exercise program
was effective at improving forward and backward gait
velocity as well as decreasing the clinical risk for falls
in older adults. It is recommended that elements of this
program be incorporated into physical therapy practice.
Additionally, upon conclusion of physical therapy
treatment, older adults should be encouraged to participate
in community-based group exercise programs to maintain
overall health and wellness and prevent future falls.
Biography
CarolAMaritz has received her certificate in Physical Therapy fromHahnemann
University in Philadelphia in 1981 and her Master’s degree in Gerontology in
1988 from Saint Joseph’s University. In 2004, she has received her Doctorate
in higher education from Nova Southeastern University. She has practiced in
the following settings: acute, skilled nursing, outpatient and home care with
a focus on the geriatric patient. She has started her academic career as a
Physical Therapy Faculty Member at Hahnemann University in 1995 and is
currently a Professor of Physical Therapy and Associate Dean at University
of the Sciences. Her research focuses on the use of exercise to prevent falls
in the older population. She has presented and published her research both
nationally and internationally.
c.maritz@usciences.eduCarol A Maritz et al., J Phys Ther Sports Med 2017