Scholarly Work - Human Development & Community Health

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/18417

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Baseline Measures of Physical Activity and Function Do Not Predict Future Fall Incidence in Sedentary Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
(Human Kinetics, 2023-01) Whitten, Justin; Barrett, Rod; Carty, Christopher P.; Tarabochia, Dawn; MacDonald, David; Graham, David
Physical activity (PA) and physical function (PF) are modifiable risk factors for falls in older adults, but their ability to predict future fall incidence is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive ability of baseline measures of PA, PF, and lower limb strength on future falls. A total of 104 participants underwent baseline assessments of PA, PF, and lower limb strength. Falls were monitored prospectively for 12 months. Eighteen participants fell at least once during the 12-month follow-up. Participants recorded almost exclusively sedentary levels of activity. PA, PF, and lower limb strength did not differ between fallers and nonfallers. Twelve participants, who reported a minor musculoskeletal injury in the past 6 months, experienced a fall. The results of this study suggest that in a cohort of highly functioning, sedentary older adults, PA does not distinguish fallers from nonfallers and that the presence of a recent musculoskeletal injury appears to be a possible risk factor for falling.
The Acceptability of a Community-Based Perturbation-Based Balance Training to Older Adults and Healthcare Professionals
(SAGE Publications, 2024-01) Whitten, Justin; O'Leary, Bryant; Graham, David; Grocke-Dewey, Michelle U.; Riley, Julie; Harper, Danielle; Tarabochia, Dawn
Background: Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) is a promising fall risk reduction method that involves inducing unexpected perturbations to balance to train participants reactive balance control. Due to the unpredictable nature of PBT, its acceptability to older adults could present a barrier to the implementation of PBT in the community. Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived acceptability of a community-based PBT program to both older adults and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Methods: Nineteen older adults (aged 69.6 ± 6.6 years, 17 women, 2 men) and three HCPs participated in the qualitative study. Participants completed four PBT sessions facilitated in conjunction with HCPs. Interviews, based on the theoretical framework of acceptability, were conducted before and after PBT and analyzed using template analysis. Results: PBT was perceived as effective by older adults and HCPs. However, HCPs perceived the equipment cost as a substantial barrier to feasibility in the community.