STRENGTH TRAINING REDUCES PHYSICAL DISABILITY
Progressive resistance strength training appears to be an effective intervention to reduce physical disability in older adults, say authors of research published in the January 2011 issue of Disability and Rehabilitation. To maximize the effect, the authors suggest therapists use responsive outcome measures and a multi-component intervention approach. 2 reviewers independently researched data. The trial…
GAIT SPEED AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF ELDERLY ASSESSMENT
An analysis of 9 studies with more than 34,000 participants aged 65 and older suggests that gait speed may be an indicator of health of an older person. Published in JAMA and highlighted in USA Today, the study’s authors, which include APTA member Jennifer Brach, PT, PhD, GCS, say that “gait speed, age, and sex…
WOMEN’S HEALTH & PHYSICAL THERAPY
Womens health is a largely talked about topic. The September 17, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that nearly 24 percent of U.S. women are affected with one or more pelvic floor disorders. It describes the percentage of women affected by pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and fecal incontinence as well as…
EARLY PT CAN HELP KNEE SURGERY PATIENTS
Knee surgery patients have a long road to recovery ahead of them. Whether you are getting a total knee replacement or fixing your torn meniscus, the healing process takes time. Your knee is one of the most important joints in your body. The inability to bend or use your knees can make simple tasks such…
WATER-BASED EXERCISE WORKS
In this study, 65 patients with CLBP were assigned to receive aquatic exercise or land-based exercise. The aquatic exercise program consisted of 20 sessions with a physical therapist 5 times per week for 4 weeks in a swimming pool at 33 degrees C. The land-based home exercise programs were demonstrated by a physical therapist on…
EXERCISES IMPROVE FUNCTION
Researchers at the Queen’s University, Kingsland, Ontario, Canada, and Columbia University, New York, conducted a randomized clinical trial involving 136 sedentary older adults who were abdominally obese, meaning they had a waist circumference of at least 40″ for men or 35″ for women. For 6 months, participants were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups:…
SENSE OF BALANCE PREDICTS HIP FRACTURE RISK
As you age, the risk of hip fracture grows more prevalent. Swedish researchers have found a simple way to estimate the risk of hip fracture in older adults; ask them if they have impaired balance. “It maybe can be regarded as a self-evident result,” Dr. Karl Michaelsson of University Hospital in Uppsala, one of the…
ARE YOU DIZZY? MAYBE WE CAN HELP!
Vertigo As we get older we can add one more health issue to our list. Vertigo is a sudden sensation that you are unsteady or that your surroundings are moving. Health & Fitness: Vertigo is mysterious case for seniors ——————————————————————————– By DIANA ROSSETTI GateHouse News Service Posted Sep 30, 2008 @ 12:00 AM Printed in…
