scholarly journals Musculoskeletal Strength, Balance Performance, and Self-Efficacy in Elderly Ving Tsun Chinese Martial Art Practitioners: Implications for Fall Prevention

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley S. M. Fong ◽  
Shamay S. M. Ng ◽  
Karen P. Y. Liu ◽  
Marco Y. C. Pang ◽  
H. W. Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Strength ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Martial Art

Objectives.To (1) compare the bone strength, lower limb muscular strength, functional balance performance, and balance self-efficacy between Ving Tsun (VT) martial art practitioners and nonpractitioners and (2) identify the associations between lower limb muscular strength, functional balance performance, and balance self-efficacy among the VT-trained participants.Methods.Thirty-five VT practitioners (mean age ± SD = 62.7 ± 13.3 years) and 49 nonpractitioners (mean age ± SD = 65.9 ± 10.5 years) participated in the study. The bone strength of the distal radius, lower limb muscular strength, functional balance performance, and balance self-efficacy were assessed using an ultrasound bone sonometer, the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSTS), the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the Chinese version of the activities-specific balance confidence scale, respectively. A multivariate analysis of covariance was performed to compare all the outcome variables between the two groups.Results.Elderly VT practitioners had higher radial bone strength on the dominant side(P<0.05), greater lower limb muscular strength(P=0.001), better functional balance performance(P=0.003), and greater balance confidence(P<0.001)than the nonpractitioners. Additionally, only the FTSTS time revealed a significant association with the BBS score(r=-0.575, P=0.013).Conclusions.VT may be a suitable health-maintenance exercise for the elderly. Our findings may inspire the development of VT fall-prevention exercises for the community-dwelling healthy elderly.

Chinese Martial Art Training Failed to Improve Balance or Inhibit Falls in Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada W. W. Ma ◽  
Hsing-Kuo Wang ◽  
Duan-Rung Chen ◽  
Ya-Mei Chen ◽  
Yvonne T. C. Chak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Peak Force ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Martial Art ◽  
Knee Flexors

This randomized controlled trial explored the effects of a Ving Tsun (VT) Chinese martial art training program on reactive standing balance performance, postural muscle reflex contraction latency, leg muscle performance, balance confidence and falls in community-dwelling older adults. We randomly assigned 33 healthy older adults to either a VT group (mean age = 67.5 years) or a control group (mean age = 72.1 years). The VT group received two 1-hour VT training sessions per week for three months (24 sessions). Primary outcome measures collected before and after the intervention period were electromyographic muscle activation onset latencies of the hamstring and gastrocnemius and the center of pressure path, length and movement velocity in standing (reactive balance performance). Secondary outcome measures included isometric peak force and time to isometric peak force of the knee extensors and flexors, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale score, and fall history. Results revealed that the mean gastrocnemius muscle activation onset latency was significantly longer (22.53 ms) in the VT group after the intervention. The peak force of the knee flexors significantly increased (by 1.58 kg) in the control group over time but not in the VT group. The time to reach peak force in the knee flexors was significantly longer (by 0.51 s) in the control group (but not the VT group) at posttest compared with the pretest value. No other significant group, time, or group-by-time interaction effects were noted. We discussed possible reasons for the failure of three months of martial art training to benefit fall risks among these older adults.

Effect of a Fall Prevention Program on Balance Maintenance Using a Quasi-experimental Design in Real-World Settings

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Robitaille ◽  
Michel Fournier ◽  
Sophie Laforest ◽  
Lise Gauvin ◽  
Johanne Filiatrault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Fall Prevention Program ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Objectives: To examine the effect of a fall prevention program offered under real-world conditions on balance maintenance several months after the program. To explore the program’s impact on falls. Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among community-dwelling seniors, with pre- and postintervention measures of balance performance and self-reported falls. Ten community-based organizations offered the intervention (98 participants) and 7 recruited participants to the study’s control arm (102 participants). An earlier study examined balance immediately after the 12-week program. The present study focuses on the 12-month effect. Linear regression (balance) and negative binomial regression (falls) procedures were performed.falls. Results: During the 12-month study period, experimental participants improved and maintained their balance as reflected by their scores on three performance tests. There was no evidence of an effect on falls.falls. Discussion: Structured group exercise programs offered in community-based settings can maintain selected components of balance for several months after the program’s end.

scholarly journals Low Volume, Home-Based Weighted Step Exercise Training Can Improve Lower Limb Muscle Power and Functional Ability in Community-Dwelling Older Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline L. Mair ◽  
Giuseppe De Vito ◽  
Colin A. Boreham
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Training ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Low Volume

Stepping exercise can be used as a scalable form of high intensity exercise to enhance important aspects of physical fitness in older populations. The addition of supplementary weights increases the resistive element of stepping, with the potential for training improvements in muscular strength, power, and functional abilities alongside other fitness outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a low-volume, home-based weighted step exercise programme on muscular strength, power, and functional ability in previously inactive community-dwelling older women. Eleven participants, aged between 65–74 years, independently completed a six-week individualised and progressive step exercise training programme wearing a weighted vest. Knee extensor strength, lower limb power output, and physical function using a battery of functional tests were measured at baseline, following a 6-week control period, and again following the 6-week training programme. Following training, lower limb power output improved by 10–11% (p < 0.05) and was accompanied by a corresponding 9% (p < 0.01) improvement in stair climb time and 10% (p < 0.01) improvement in normalised stair climbing power, highlighting the beneficial effects of weighted stepping for transferable improvements in functional fitness. The magnitude of observed training improvements suggest that weighted step training has the potential to prolong independence and prevent age-related health conditions such as sarcopenia.

scholarly journals The role of attentional focus on walking efficiency among older fallers and non-fallers

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 811-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toby C T Mak ◽  
William R Young ◽  
Wing-Kai Lam ◽  
Andy C Y Tse ◽  
Thomson W L Wong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Attentional Focus ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Control ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background This study evaluated the effect of attentional focus instructions on movement efficiency during a level-ground walking task in older adults with and without a history of falls. Methods One hundred and thirty-four community-dwelling older adults were categorised into older fallers (OF) (n = 37) and older non-fallers (ONF) (n = 97). Each participant was instructed to walk at a self-selected pace along a 6 m walkway under three attentional focus conditions (i.e. internal, goal-directed and control) for a total of nine trials. Average muscle activity indices of lower limb co-contractions were measured using surface electromyography. Results Both shank and thigh muscle co-contractions were higher in OF than in ONF in all three conditions. OF also demonstrated higher shank muscle co-contraction under the internal relative to the goal-directed condition, with no such change observed in ONF. Conclusion Despite no significant between-group differences in functional balance and balance confidence, relative walking inefficiencies were observed in OF compared with ONF. This finding demonstrates the debilitating consequences of falling that can occur with relative independence from various physiological or psychological factors that are commonly associated with falling and used to rationalise behavioural change. We also provide evidence that OF are more susceptible to conditions that provoke them to allocate attention internally. Therefore, in clinical contexts (e.g. gait rehabilitation), verbal instructions that refer to body movements (internal focus) might serve to compromise movement efficiency in older adults with a history of falls. Such changes will, theoretically, lessen the ability to react efficiently to changing environments experienced in daily life.

scholarly journals Determinants of Balance Confidence in Community-Dwelling Elderly People

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (12) ◽  
pp. 1072-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine Hatch ◽  
Kathleen M Gill-Body ◽  
Leslie G Portney
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Functional Mobility ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Balance Scale ◽  
Performance Functional

Background and Purpose. The fear of falling can have detrimental effects on physical function in the elderly population, but the relationship between a persons' confidence in the ability to maintain balance and actual balance ability and functional mobility is not known. The extent to which balance confidence can be explained by balance performance, functional mobility, and sociodemographic, psychosocial, and health-related factors was the focus of this study. Subjects. The subjects were 50 community-dwelling elderly people, aged 65 to 95 years (X̄=81.7, SD=6.7). Methods. Balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale. Functional mobility was measured using the Timed Up & Go Test. The Activities-specific Balance Scale was used to assess balance confidence. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and t tests. Results. Fifty-seven percent of the variance in balance confidence could be explained by balance performance. Functional mobility and subject characteristics examined in this study did not contribute to balance confidence. Discussion and Conclusion. Balance performance alone is a strong determinant of balance confidence in community-dwelling elderly people.

Postural Balance and Self-Reported Exercise in Older Adults

2000 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne C. Hoeppner ◽  
James H. Rimmer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Performance Tests ◽  
Retirement Home ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
Ambulatory Status ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Exercise Status ◽  
Confidence Scale

The purpose of this study was to determine if self-reported exercise status (exercise, nonexercise) and ambulatory status (aid, no aid) discriminate between balance performance and balance self-efficacy of older adults, ages 65 to 95 years. Participants were 14 males and 46 females in a retirement home that contained a supervised fitness center. An activities-specific balance confidence scale and three balance performance tests yielded data. Data from males and females were combined because independent t tests revealed no significant gender differences. The Mann Whitney U test revealed that (a) exercisers (M age = 83.4) scored significantly higher than nonexercisers (M age = 83.7) on all measures, and (b) nonaid users (M age = 83.5) scored significantly higher than aid users (M age = 83.7). Findings indicate that regular exercise (at least 30 min per day, 3 days per week) and ambulation without a cane or walker are descriptors of older adults with good balance performance and high balance self-efficacy.

scholarly journals Lower-Extremity Muscle Force and Balance Performance in Adults Aged 65 Years and Older

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (12) ◽  
pp. 1177-1185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marguerite Elizabeth Daubney ◽  
Elsie G Culham
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Muscle Force ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Plantar Flexor ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Postural Control System ◽  
Functional Balance ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle ◽  
Functional Reach Test

Abstract Background and Purpose.Measures of postural control may be useful for determining fall risk in older people and for determining the outcomes of treatments aimed at improving balance. Commonly used tools measure the output of the postural control system. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which one component of postural control (muscle force) contributes to scores on 3 functional balance measures. Subjects. Fifty community-dwelling volunteers between 65 and 91 years of age (X̄=74.82, SD=6.11) participated. Based on their histories, 11 subjects were classified as being at risk for falling. Methods. Measures were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT), and the Timed Get Up & Go Test (GUG). The force generated by 12 lower-extremity muscle groups was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Results. In the group reporting no falls, dorsiflexor and subtalar evertor force accounted for 58% of the score on the BBS, ankle plantar-flexor and subtalar invertor force accounted for 48.4% of the score on the GUG, and ankle plantar-flexor force accounted for 13% of the score on the FRT. Ankle dorsiflexor and hip extensor forces were lower in subjects reporting falls, and force of the ankle dorsiflexors predicted fall status. Conclusion and Discussion. Distal muscle force measures may be able to contribute to the prediction of functional balance scores; however, the muscles involved in the prediction differ depending on the measure of balance.

Gait Speed, Quality of Life, and Sedentary Time are Associated with Steps per Day in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Osteoporosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ing-Mari Dohrn ◽  
Maria Hagströmer ◽  
Mai-Lis Hellénius ◽  
Agneta Ståhle
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Aim:To describe objectively-measured physical activity levels and patterns among community-dwelling older adults with osteoporosis, impaired balance, and fear of falling, and to explore the associations with gait, balance performance, falls self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods:Ninety-four individuals (75.6 ± 5.4 years) were included. Physical activity was assessed with pedometers and accelerometers. Mean steps/day, dichotomized into < 5,000 or = 5,000 steps/day, and time spent in different physical activity intensities were analyzed. Gait was assessed with a GAITRite walkway, balance performance was assessed with the modified figure-eight test and oneleg stance, falls self-efficacy was assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale International, and HRQoL was assessed with Short Form-36.Results:Mean steps/day were 6,201 (991–17,156) and 40% reported < 5,000 steps/day. Participants with < 5,000 steps/day spent more time sedentary, had slower gait speed, poorer balance performance, and lower HRQoL than participants with ≥ 5,000 steps/day. No participants with < 5,000 met the recommended level of physical activity.

scholarly journals Balance Confidence Among People With Lower-Limb Amputations

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (9) ◽  
pp. 856-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
William C Miller ◽  
Mark Speechley ◽  
A Barry Deathe
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Balance Confidence ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Device Use ◽  
Abc Scale ◽  
Mobility Device

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Confidence in a person's balance has been shown to be an important predictor of social activity among people with lower-limb amputations. The purposes of this study were to describe confidence in balance among people with transtibial or transfemoral lower-limb amputations and to compare people whose amputations were due to vascular and nonvascular causes. Subjects and Methods. A survey of a sample of 435 community-dwelling individuals from 2 regional clinics was conducted. The sample consisted of people with unilateral transfemoral (26.7%) and transtibial (73.3%) amputations who lost their limb for vascular (53%) and nonvascular (47%) reasons. The mean age of the primarily male (71%) sample was 62.0 years (SD=15.7). Results. Mean scores, using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, were 63.8 for the total sample, 54.1 for the subjects with amputations due to vascular reasons, and 74.7 for the subjects with amputations due to nonvascular reasons. Given a maximum possible ABC Scale score of 100, the results suggest that confidence was low. A difference between the subjects with amputations due to vascular reasons and those with amputations due to nonvascular reasons was observed over each item of the ABC Scale. Variables that were statistically related to balance confidence included age, sex, etiology, mobility device use, the need to concentrate while walking, limitations in activities of daily living, depression, and fear of falling. Discussion and Conclusion. Balance confidence scores among the study sample were low when compared with values previously reported by other researchers. Confidence was particularly low among individuals who had their amputation for vascular reasons. Balance confidence might be an important area of clinical concern.

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