Journal of geriatric physical therapy
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J Geriatr Phys Ther · Apr 2015
The community balance and mobility scale alleviates the ceiling effects observed in the currently used gait and balance assessments for the community-dwelling older adults.
Currently used balance assessments show a ceiling effect and lack activities essential for community mobility in higher-functioning older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Community Balance and Mobility (CB&M) Scale in a high-functioning community-dwelling older adult population since the CB&M Scale includes assessment of several challenging tasks and may alleviate the ceiling effects observed in commonly used gait and balance assessments for this cohort. ⋯ CB&M scale is reliable and valid to evaluate gait, balance, and mobility in community-dwelling older adults. Unlike some currently used balance and mobility assessments for the community-dwelling older adults, the CB&M scale did not show a ceiling in detection of balance and mobility deficits. In addition, cutoff scores have been proposed that might serve as criteria to discriminate older adults with balance and mobility deficits. The CB&M scale might enable assessment of balance and mobility limitations masked by other assessments and help design interventions to improve community mobility and sustain independence in the higher-functioning community-dwelling older adult.
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J Geriatr Phys Ther · Jan 2015
Reliability of ultrasound imaging for the assessment of lumbar multifidi thickness in older adults with chronic low back pain.
Ultrasound imaging (USI) has been shown to be a reliable measure for direct assessment of the lumbar multifidi among younger adults. However, given age- and chronic low back pain (CLBP)-related spinal changes, similar studies are needed before clinical use of USI among older adults with CLBP. The goals of this study were to evaluate intra- and interexaminer reliability for USI assessment of multifidi thickness at rest and during a contraction and to determine standard error of measurement values (SEMs) and minimal detectable change values (MDCs) among older adults with CLBP. ⋯ Good-to-excellent intra- and interexaminer USI procedural reliability may provide clinicians a direct assessment technique for clinical evaluation of the lumbar multifidi in older adults with CLBP. SEMs and MDCs may allow for accurate interpretation of USI assessments in this population.
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J Geriatr Phys Ther · Oct 2014
A modified fall risk assessment tool that is specific to physical function predicts falls in community-dwelling elderly people.
Developing a practical fall risk assessment tool to predict the occurrence of falls in the primary care setting is important because investigators have reported deterioration of physical function associated with falls. Researchers have used many performance tests to predict the occurrence of falls. These performance tests predict falls and also assess physical function and determine exercise interventions. However, the need for such specialists as physical therapists to accurately conduct these tests limits their use in the primary care setting. Questionnaires for fall prediction offer an easy way to identify high-risk fallers without requiring specialists. Using an existing fall assessment questionnaire, this study aimed to identify items specific to physical function and determine whether those items were able to predict falls and estimate physical function of high-risk fallers. ⋯ These findings may contribute to earlier identification of high-risk fallers and intervention for fall prevention.
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J Geriatr Phys Ther · Apr 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of inspiratory muscle training and yoga breathing exercises on respiratory muscle function in institutionalized frail older adults: a randomized controlled trial.
In older adults, respiratory function may be seriously compromised when a marked decrease of respiratory muscle (RM) strength coexists with comorbidity and activity limitation. Respiratory muscle training has been widely studied and recommended as a treatment option for people who are unable to participate in whole-body exercise training (WBET); however, the effects of inspiratory muscle training and yoga breathing exercises on RM function remain unknown, specifically in impaired older adults. ⋯ Yoga respiratory training appears to be an effective and well-tolerated exercise regimen in frail older adults and may therefore be a useful alternative to ITT or no training, to improve RM function in older population, when WBET is not possible.
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J Geriatr Phys Ther · Apr 2014
Predictors of discharge destination in a geriatric population after undergoing rehabilitation.
Patients undertaking inpatient rehabilitation comprise a diverse group, including patients with stroke and other neurological conditions, patients who have fallen with or without a resulting fracture, and patients with joint replacements, general debility, or various cardiopulmonary conditions. It is not clear whether diagnosis has an impact on discharge destination in a heterogeneous patient group. The purpose of this study was to determine whether diagnostic category matters or whether it is rehabilitation length of stay (LOS), ability on the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), or Balance Outcome Measure for Elder Rehabilitation (BOOMER) at discharge that predicts discharge destination in elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation who had previously lived at home. ⋯ To return home after rehabilitation, patients need to be able to walk at least 10 m and undertake tasks such as moving from sitting to standing, turning around, as well as managing steps. The study revealed that a standardized suite of measures of functional ability and balance may not be appropriate for patients in all diagnostic categories undergoing rehabilitation. Therefore, just as intervention needs to be tailored for the individual patient, the measure of their progress also should be unique.