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Date of Award

1998

Document Type

Thesis - Pacific Access Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Darcy A. Umphred

First Committee Member

Jim Mansoor

Second Committee Member

Lewis M. Nashner

Third Committee Member

Brad Stockert

Abstract

Impairments in balance with related decline in functional abilities, an increased incidence of falls, and fear of falling are problems that concern elderly populations as well as health care providers. There does not appear to be consensus on which method of balance testing or balance training best addresses the components of balance to effectively test and train balance as it relates to the specific task and environment in which it is occurring. It is also unclear what effect balance training may have on confidence in balance or reducing the fear of falling in elderly populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of balance training on q nondisabled elderly population.

A six group pre-test - post-test experimental design was used with 59 elderly males and females living in a retirement community. All subjects completed low-tech and high-tech balance testing and filled out 2 balance confidence questionnaires. Experimental groups participated in low-tech or high-tech balance training protocols that were established expressly for this study, and completed follow-up testing which was not required of the control groups.

Pages

171

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