1. The Impact of a Structured Balance Training Program on Elderly Adults
Chris King MS, BS, CPT, EMT
Graceland University -- Lamoni, IA

2. What is a Fall? Broad Definition Research Setting Definition
“an event whereby an individual comes to rest on the ground or another lower level with or without a loss of consciousness” (Martin, 2011).
Research Setting Definition
“an unexpected event in which the participants come to rest on the ground, floor, or lower level” (Martin, 2011).

3. Fall Risk Factors Multiple-Drug Use Psychiatric Activity
Abnormalities/Impairments of Gait
Compromised Balance
Poor Muscular Strength
Depression
Limitations of Daily Activities
Dizziness
Etc…

4. Intervention Criteria
If three or more of the following criteria were met, the individual was at significant risk of falling and should receive intervention:
taking four or more medications per day
history of stroke or Parkinson’s disease
self-reported problems with balance
unable to get out of chair at knee height, without using arms

5. Properly Addressing Falls
Why has the fall occurred?
Before mentioned criteria
Age
Physical or Cognitive Limits
Male or Female?

6. Outcomes From Falls Sickness Morbidity Functional Impairment
Lower Quality of Life
Breaks and Fractures
Disabilities

7. Fall Risk Assessment Tools
Calculation and Regression Tool:
used to analyze and identify interrelationships between risk factors
calculated an absolute fall risk of an individual or sample group
used to identify areas of particular interest for intervention

8. Fall Risk Assessment Tools (cont.)
John Hopkins Hospital Fall Risk Assessment Tool
calculated a subject’s fall risk based on:
age
fall history
Elimination
Mobility
mental status
Medications
quantity of assistive patient care equipment

9. Decreasing Fall Risk Exercise Regularly Balance Training
Trail Walking
Balance Training
Focus on Safety
Group Exercising
Strength Training

10. About the Study Purpose Hypothesis Pre-Test Comparisons
Examine a structured balance program in elderly adults.
Hypothesis
Notable improvement in balance from test subjects
Pre-Test Comparisons
Left Foot: No notable differences in balance of subjects
Right Foot: No notable differences in balance of subjects
Post-Test Comparisons
Right Foot: No significant difference
Left Foot: Significant difference

11. Pre-Study Results Comparison of Subjects
Left Foot: No significant differences in balance of subjects
Balance Program = 3.0
No Balance Program = 1.625
Right Foot: No significant differences in balance of subjects
Balance Program = 2.5
Self-Perceived: No significant differences in balance of subjects
Balance Program = 5.0
No Balance Program = 3.75

12. Post-Study Results Post-Test Comparisons
Right Foot: No significant difference in balance of subjects
Balance Program = 9.3
No Balance Program = 1.88
Left Foot: Significant difference in balance of subjects
Balance Program = 12.0
No Balance Program = 2.0
Self-Perceived Ability
Balance Program: 4.5
No Balance Program: 6.0

13. Conclusion of Study
The balance training program demonstrated the potential to improve balance ability.
The balance training program increased the sense of ability to balance and self-efficacy of study participants.

14. Pertinent Findings and Supportive Evidence of Other’s Studies
Meta-analysis of 283 Random Clinical Trials, 11,800+ titles, abstracts, & Titles
Resulting in association with Reduction in Fall Risk
Exercise
Combined Exercise with Assessment and Treatment
Above + Environmental Assessment and Modification
Combined Clinic-level Quality Improvement Strategies (Case Management), Multifactorial Assessment & Treatment, Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation
Progresses from Least Evident to Most Evident in Prevention of Falls

15. Pertinent Findings and Supportive Evidence Cont.
(7) Step Training/Interventions
A Combination Resistance and Balance-Jumping Exercise Training
Lower-extremity Resistance Training on Unstable Surfaces Yielding Improved Muscle Strength, Power, and Balance