For more information about the PSTP A Strength & Balance Program for Frail Older Adults in an Assisted Living Facility Holly Pope, PhD (c), MSPH1, Marcia J. Lane, MPH1, Carol Cornman, RN, PA1, Eleni L. Tolma, PhD, MPH2 University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Office for the Study of Aging1, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Department of Health Promotion Sciences2 PLACEMAT (FRONT): QUANTITATIVE RESULTS: ABSTRACT: The Placemat Strength Training Program (PSTP) is a strength and balance program for frail older assisted living residents. Exercise facilitators led the PSTP, which was based on a laminated placemat with 10 illustrated exercises. Functional ability and determinants of exercise were examined between the intervention group (n=15) (age 83.3 + 7.31) that received the PSTP three times a week for 10 months and the comparison group (n=21) (age 86.19 + 5.16) that received the PSTP along with usual physical activities approximately twice a week. The entire study sample was Caucasian. The intervention groups’ stationary balance, upper leg, and grip strength was maintained or improved, while the comparison group showed little or no maintenance or improvement on functional measures. Qualitative research identifies determinants of exercise and further evidence that the PSTP positively impacts assisted living residents’ quality of life. The intervention group was more likely to maintain their ability to perform the balance assessments compared to the comparison group. PLACEMAT (BACK): BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness and balance impairment among the elderly is a predictor of falls, which increases the risks of functional dependence, institutionalization, and death. Older adults who are often afraid of falling are also reluctant to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The lack of physical activity perpetuates the risks associated to future falls. These factors highlight the importance of programs that improve and/ or maintain strength and balance among frail older adults. The Placemat Strength Training Program (PSTP) is a strength and balance program for frail older assisted living residents that aims to improve and/ or maintain strength and balance among frail older adults. The intervention group was more likely to improve their strength compared to the comparison group. QUALITATIVE RESULTS: Participants’ Comments… “[Exercise] increases your independence. I don’t like to depend on others. I like to get out of the chair by myself. I like being independent and not dependent on someone.” “I feel stronger and don’t feel much pain.” “It makes me limber.” “I can tell when I miss it…you get stiff on your body- your legs and arms.” Staff Members’ Comments… “Residents that participate [in the intervention group] are sleeping better at night.” “Family members of the residents have said they have noticed improvements physically and mentally.” “The placemat program helps the staff because the clients are getting stronger. As a result, they are able to make transferring easier, especially during their bathing.” “The residents can use their chair stands to lift themselves from the chair of the dinner table.” PURPOSE: The purpose of this study: To determine the extent to which participants’ balance and strength was impacted by the PSTP To understand how the PSTP impacted the participants from their point of view METHODS: A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in South Carolina included two assisted living buildings on the campus, and were selected as the sites of the intervention and non-equivalent comparison groups. A trained graduate student facilitated the PSTP in the intervention group, three times a week for 10 months. The comparison group received the PSTP approximately twice a week with usual exercise activities. The intervention was implemented at the dining area. Participants sat at tables in chairs with arms, and each individual received a placemat as an exercise guide that included 10 exercises: chair pulls/ push; chair lift; chair dips; chair stands; squats; knee raises; leg curls; toe raises; leg to side; and leg to back. CONCLUSION: For more information about the PSTP www.sph.sc.edu/osa/programs_placemat.html Participants assessed for functional ability at baseline and follow-up: Stationary and Dynamic balance Mobility Upper leg functional strength Grip strength The PSTP is a tool developed to build strength, balance, and functional ability in an assisted living setting. It was also enjoyable, engaging, challenging, and promoted physical function. Future research is needed to develop more sensitive functional assessments for the frail older adult population. In addition, more diverse and larger samples should be studied to understand any cultural differences that may be present.