Abstract

Background: Older adults tend to rely excessively on visual inputs to maintain their balance. This overreliance on visual inputs can increase the risk of falls, particularly when visual inputs are reduced or eliminated. This study aimed to determine the effects of a home exercise program (HEP) on visual reliance for balance and cervical active range of motion (AROM) among older adults.

Patients/Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 19 older adults, aged 65-79 years old. Outcome measures included static balance, balance confidence, and cervical AROM. Participants were instructed to follow an 8-week HEP and were provided with behavioral modification instructions to maintain proper body posture during daily activities.

Results: Participants experienced significant improvement in static balance (55.3±13.1 versus 46.0±17.8; p=0.033). Also, participants felt more confident in their balance following the intervention (85.1±11.8 versus 76.3±18.4, p=0.02). There were no significant changes in cervical AROM movements in self-selected and upright sitting position except for extension (32.6±11.7 versus 27.0±7.9; p=0.013); and (33.4±10.7 versus 27.9±11.0; p=0.023), respectively. p=0.720).

Conclusion: HEPs, specifically designed to enhance cervical spine mobility and position, can potentially reduce risk of falls among older adults through decreasing visual reliance for balance and improving balance confidence.

LLU Discipline

Physical Therapy

Department

Physical Therapy

School

School of Allied Health Professions

First Advisor

Eric Johnson

Second Advisor

Noha Daher

Third Advisor

Gina Gang

Fourth Advisor

Kristel Zuppan

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2024

Date (Title Page)

6-2024

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Accidental Falls; Exercise Therapy; Cervical Vertebrae; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Range of Motion, Articular

Subject - Local

Older adults, Home-exercise program, Balance, Visual reliance, Cervical Active Range of Motion, Falls

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xiv, 98 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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