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Performance of Different Timed Up and Go Subtasks in Frailty Syndrome
Conclusions: The findings support the value of analyzing the TUG subtasks to improve understanding of mobility deficits in frailty syndrome. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Phase Angle Is Moderately Associated With Muscle Quality and Functional Capacity, Independent of Age and Body Composition in Older Women
Background and purpose: There is a growing body of evidence indicating that phase angle (PhA) can be used as an indicator of nutritional status, disease prognosis, and mortality risk; however, it is still unknown whether PhA can be used as an explanator of functional capacity and muscle quality in older women. The main purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore whether PhA is associated with muscle quality and functional capacity in older women, regardless of total and regional body composition. Methods: A total of 125 older women—66.7 (4.7) years; 65.6 (10.9) kg body mass; 156.1 (5.2) cm height; 26.9 (4.0...
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Item Distribution in the Berg Balance Scale: A Problem for Use With Community-Living Older Adults
Conclusions: Comparing the item difficulty and person ability, the balance ability of the CLOAs exceeded the difficulty of the test items, rendering it less useful for detecting balance ability and fall risk in CLOAs. More challenging test items, or selection of a different balance test, are recommended for use with this population. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Validity and Responsiveness to Change of the 30-Second Chair-Stand Test in Older Adults Admitted to an Emergency Department
Conclusion: This study found a significant difference in the patients' need for help with everyday activities when comparing low and high physical performance groups. The concurrent validity of the 30s-CST was acceptable in assessing physical performance in older adults at the time of admission; the 30s-CST is thus a tool that is easy to use in older adults with acute disease. In contrast, based on very wide prediction intervals, DEMMI demonstrated better responsiveness to change than the 30s-CST, especially in older adults with low physical performance. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Investigating the Relationship of the Functional Gait Assessment to Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait and Quality of Life in Individuals With Stroke
Conclusions: The FGA is a clinical measure of functional gait performance that reflected spatiotemporal gait parameters and ability of individuals with chronic stroke to live independently. The FGA could be used to target interventions to improve functional gait performance of individuals with chronic stroke. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

The 3-m Backwards Walk and Retrospective Falls: Diagnostic Accuracy of a Novel Clinical Measure
Conclusions: In a study of healthy older adults, the 3MBW demonstrated similar or better diagnostic accuracy for falls in the past year than most commonly used measures. People walking faster than 3.0 seconds on the 3MBW were unlikely to have reported falling, whereas people slower than 4.5 seconds were very likely to have reported falling. Further validation of the 3MBW in prospective studies, larger samples, and clinical populations is recommended. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Effect of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Motor Cortex on Elbow Flexor Muscle Strength in the Very Old
Conclusion: Contrary to our hypothesis, we observed no effect of anodal tDCS and no impairment in elbow flexor voluntary activation capacity in the very old. Whether anodal tDCS would exert a positive effect and support our initial hypothesis in another muscle group that does exhibit impairments in voluntary activation in older adults is a question that is still to be addressed. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Predictors of Improvement in Physical Function in Older Adults in an Evidence-Based Physical Activity Program (EnhanceFitness)
Conclusion: EnhanceFitness program providers may need to implement additional measures to support the participants who could benefit most from EF, such as targeting messaging, coordinating with referring providers to emphasize attendance and general activity in specific participants, and offering additional support to groups who show less improvement during classes. The evidence presented here may inform clinical decision making for older adult patients and increase health care provider confidence in EF and similar exercise programs, thereby providing a mechanism to maintain and continue functional gains made in clinical...
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Examining the Effects of an Otago-Based Home Exercise Program on Falls and Fall Risks in an Assisted Living Facility
Conclusions: An Otago-based strengthening, balance, and walking home exercise program can potentially be used to decrease the number of falls and the risk of falling among older adults residing in an assisted living facility. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Four Months of Wearing a Balance Orthotic Improves Measures of Balance and Mobility Among a Cohort of Community-Living Older Adults
Conclusions: This study suggests that wearing a BO for 4 hours per day for 4 months results in improvements in functional assessments related to fall risk (SPPB, GS, FGA, TUG, and FTSST) in a group of older adult participants with limited mobility. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Balance and Functional Outcomes for Older Community-Dwelling Adults Who Practice Tai Chi and Those Who Do Not: A Comparative Study
Conclusion: Older adults' participation in a community-based Tai Chi program may lead to improvement in strength, mobility, and confidence in performing functional tasks. Incorporation of elements of Tai Chi into therapy programs for older adults at risk for fall and referral to community-based Tai Chi programs may be viable options in the continuum of health-related care for older adults. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Editor's Message: Reading, Writing, Rigor, and Relevance
No abstract available (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - October 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

An Exploration of Equine-Assisted Therapy to Improve Balance, Functional Capacity, and Cognition in Older Adults With Alzheimer Disease
Conclusion: These findings provide evidence of an association between EAT and improved balance and functional capacity in older adults with AD, with no significant impact on cognitive performance. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - July 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Case Series Source Type: research

Gait Speed Characteristics and Their Spatiotemporal Determinants in Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background and Purpose: Low and slowing gait speeds among nursing home residents are linked to a higher risk of disability, cognitive impairment, falls, and mortality. A better understanding of the spatiotemporal parameters of gait that influence declining mobility could lead to effective rehabilitation and preventative intervention. The aims of this study were to objectively quantify the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait in the nursing home setting and define the relationship between these parameters and gait speed. Methods: One hundred nursing home residents were enrolled into the study and completed 3 habitual...
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - July 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Dual-Task Performance: Influence of Frailty, Level of Physical Activity, and Cognition
Conclusions: Frail older adults presented worse performance in the TUG when compared with nonfrail older adults. The dual-task test does not differentiate older adults with frailty syndrome, regardless of cognitive performance. (Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy)
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - July 1, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research