Functional and biomechanical assessments of a matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader model: A pilot investigation

Ranjana K. Mehta, Jian Liu, Ashley E. Shortz, Aya Yoshikawa, Shin D. Lee, Robert B. Pankey, Samuel D. Towne, Matthew L. Smith, Doris Howell, Marcia G. Ory

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader model (AMOB/VLL), an evidence-based falls prevention program, on improving balance and mobility. Twenty-eight community-dwelling older adults completed an eight-week AMOB/VLL program. Pre/post assessments of biomechanical and functional outcomes of balance during single and dual-task trials, as well as perceptions of fear of falling, were compared using pairwise t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Our findings suggest that while improvements in functional indicators of mobility and perception regarding fear of falling were observed, biomechanical and functional assessments specific to balance during the single-task trials remained unaffected by the intervention. Interestingly, the group exhibited improvements in biomechanical measures during the dual-task trials. Since AMOB/VLL primarily focuses on restructuring participants' perceptions about falls and only includes generalized exercises, including balance-specific training within the program can potentially improve balance outcomes among older adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2014 International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014
PublisherHuman Factors an Ergonomics Society Inc.
Pages185-189
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9780945289456
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event58th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014 - Chicago, United States
Duration: Oct 27 2014Oct 31 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Volume2014-January
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Conference

Conference58th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period10/27/1410/31/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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