Practice
Association of Dance-Based Mind-Motor Activities With Falls and Physical Function Among Healthy Older Adults A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Dual-task exercises in older adults: A structured review of current literature
Disseminating Tai Chi in the Community: Promoting Home Practice and Improving Balance
Betty Chewning, PhD, Dale Wilson, MA, Jane E Mahoney, MD, Kristine M Hallisy, PT, DSc, Nisaratana Sangasubana, PhD, Ronald Gangnon, PhD
Summary:
Falls among older adults is a pressing public health challenge. Considerable research documents that longer tai chi courses can reduce falls and improve balance. However, longer courses can be challenging to implement. Our goal was to evaluate whether a short 6-week modified tai chi course could be effective at reducing falls risk if older adults designed a personal home practice plan to receive a greater tai chi “dose” during the 6 weeks.
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Otago Exercise Program in the United States: Comparison of 2 Implementation Models
The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions to Improve Older Adults’ Health: A Systematic Literature Review
Phoebe Woei-Ni Hwang, MS; Kathryn L. Braun, DrPH
Summary:
Physical inactivity is common in individuals over the age of 60. This systemic review was looking at the benefits of physical health using dance. The compiled results of 18 studies suggest dance, regardless of style (ballroom, jazz, contemporary, cultural, pop) can significantly improve muscular strength and endurance, balance, flexibility, and other aspects of functional fitness in older adults. These results show dance as a promising method for improving older adults’ physical health as it might address the barriers associated with older adults being physically active.
Year study was published: 2015
Mean age of participants in study: 76 years
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Evidence-Based Exercise Prescription for Balance and Falls Prevention: A Current Review of the Literature
by Tiffany E. Shubert, MPT, PhD
Summary:
The current best practices for physical therapists to effectively improve balance and manage fall risk in patients are those that incorporate a structured, progressing, individually tailored exercise program that meets the optimal exercise dose. These interventions need to continue even after discharge from physical therapy and therefore a continuum of care approach is needed in order to maintain progress, continue to improve upon their abilities, sustain meaningful and permanent changes in risk factors, and ultimately reduce falls risk.
Year study was published: 2011
Mean age of participants in study: N/A
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Exercise to Prevent Falls in Older Adults: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Best Practice Recommendations
by Catherine Sherrington, Anne Tiedemann, Nicola Fairhall, Jacqueline C.T. Close and Stephen R. Lord
Summary:
This updated systematic review compiled data from 99 comparisons from 88 randomized controlled trials, totaling 19,478 participants, looking at exercise as a single intervention to prevent falls. They concluded that exercise for falls prevention at least three (3) hours per week showed the greatest effects and should be targeted at both the general community as well as those at high risk of falls and may occur in both a group or home-based setting. The exercise programs should include: moderate to high challenges to balance as well as strength training, a sufficient dose of exercise, exercise needs to be ongoing, and should include a brisk walking training, unless they are a high risk falls individual.
Year study was published: 2017
Mean age of participants in study: 65+ years old