Scholarship@Western - Western Research Forum: Does improved physical function following a NuStep® seated all extremity exercise intervention reduce the fear of falling and improve quality of life in older adults with fear of falling living in community care homes?
 

Department

Faculty of Health Sciences

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Year

First

Supervisor Name

Denise Connelly

Supervisor Email

dconnell@uwo.ca

Abstract Text

Background:

Decreased physical activity associated with fear of falling invokes a dangerous cycle of more fear, reduced activity and falls. NuStep is a seated all-extremity recumbent cross trainer which provides safe and efficient exercise training.

Hypotheses/Objectives:

The objectives of this study are to:

i. improve physical function and mobility of older adults living with a fear of falling with a NuStep;

ii. assess change in self-reported fear of falling and quality of life before and after the exercise intervention; and

iii. determine whether there is a relationship between exercise-related improved physical function/mobility with change in fear of falling and/or quality of life of older adults living with a fear of falling.

Proposed Methods:

A longitudinal cohort intervention study design. Subjects (n=15) will be older adults living in community care homes. Baseline and post-intervention measures will include physical function, mobility, fear of falling and quality of life. NuStep will be used to provide an exercise training intervention to induce a clinically meaningful change in performance on measures of function and mobility. Functional data will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and appropriate statistics to determine any relationship between improved function/mobility and fear/quality of life.

Discussion/Future Applications

Physical activity that improves function and/or mobility may be an important influence on managing the adverse effects of fear of falling. The NuStep offers a safe, effective method of exercise training which may provide additional benefits than just improved physical function including reduced isolation, improved self-confidence and enjoyment.

Proposal stage (study being developed)

Included in

Physiotherapy Commons

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Does improved physical function following a NuStep® seated all extremity exercise intervention reduce the fear of falling and improve quality of life in older adults with fear of falling living in community care homes?

Background:

Decreased physical activity associated with fear of falling invokes a dangerous cycle of more fear, reduced activity and falls. NuStep is a seated all-extremity recumbent cross trainer which provides safe and efficient exercise training.

Hypotheses/Objectives:

The objectives of this study are to:

i. improve physical function and mobility of older adults living with a fear of falling with a NuStep;

ii. assess change in self-reported fear of falling and quality of life before and after the exercise intervention; and

iii. determine whether there is a relationship between exercise-related improved physical function/mobility with change in fear of falling and/or quality of life of older adults living with a fear of falling.

Proposed Methods:

A longitudinal cohort intervention study design. Subjects (n=15) will be older adults living in community care homes. Baseline and post-intervention measures will include physical function, mobility, fear of falling and quality of life. NuStep will be used to provide an exercise training intervention to induce a clinically meaningful change in performance on measures of function and mobility. Functional data will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and appropriate statistics to determine any relationship between improved function/mobility and fear/quality of life.

Discussion/Future Applications

Physical activity that improves function and/or mobility may be an important influence on managing the adverse effects of fear of falling. The NuStep offers a safe, effective method of exercise training which may provide additional benefits than just improved physical function including reduced isolation, improved self-confidence and enjoyment.