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Reducing Fear of Falling and Activity Avoidance in Older Adults with disproportionate levels of fear of fallingCatastrophizing thoughts about falls can trip people up. We are now looking for programs that can help reduce concern about falling in older people. Falls and fear of falling affect many older adults and can impose limitations upon daily activities. Over one third of community dwelling older adults fall each year with about 15% of falls being injurious. However, over two thirds of older adults express fear of falling during common daily activities, making it more common than falls itself. Fear of falling has been associated with needless restriction in physical and social activities with consequent negative impacts on lower quality of life. Previous research has suggested that fear of falling can be reduced through cognitive behavioural therapy and balance exercise programs. We are collaborating with Black Dog Institute to investigate the effectiveness of an online cognitive behavioural program (myCompass) versus a health education program for 6 weeks at reducing concerns about falling in community-dwelling older people. The intervention consists of a fully-automated cognitive behavioural therapy program (myCompass) delivered through a tablet or computer in people’s homes with no therapist input, including evidence-based and interactive psychological modules that users can complete via the internet on a tablet or computer in their homes. RELATED PROJECTS
ReacStep – strength and step training to prevent falls in older adultsDR YOSHIRO OKUBO, PROFESSOR STEPHEN LORD, CARLY CHAPLIN The ReacStep study is investigating the short-term effects of strength and step training programs on trip and slip responses in older adults. These programs are designed from evidence-based research and offer a challenging and unique experience to improving balance. The ReacStep team are calling on volunteers aged 65 years and over who:
Eligible volunteers will be subjected to attend at least two laboratory sessions in Randwick (i.e. once at baseline and again after 9 weeks) comprised of physical and cognitive assessments before they are randomly allocated into one of two groups. Both groups will be instructed by an exercise physiologist to complete a home-based strength training program, twice a week for 6 weeks. Only one group will also be invited back to NeuRA to complete a ReacStep training program, once a week (45mins) for 6 weeks. For more information, watch the video below or read the Participant Information Statement. To get involved or to register your interest, click the button below. For all other queries, contact the ReacStep team on 02 9399 1255 or . HC210350
Cortical activity during balance tasks in ageing and clinical groups using functional near-infraredPROFESSOR STEPHEN LORD, DR JASMINE MENANT Prof Stephen Lord, Dr Jasmine Menant Walking is not automatic and requires attention and brain processing to maintain balance and prevent falling over. Brain structure and function deteriorate with ageing and neurodegenerative disorders, in turn impacting both cognitive and motor functions. This series of studies will investigate:
Approach The experiments involve experimental paradigms that challenge cognitive functions of interest (eg.visuo-spatial working memory, inhibitory function). I use functional near-infrared spectroscopy to study activation in superficial cortical regions of interest (eg. prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area…). The studies involve young and older people as well as clinical groups (eg.Parkinson’s disease). Studies
This research will greatly improve our understanding of the interactions between brain capacity, functions and balance control across ageing and diseases, psychological, physiological and medical factors, allows to identify targets for rehabilitation. It will also help identifying whether exercise-based interventions improve neural efficiency for enhanced balance control.
Muscle contributions to gait pattern in in people with Multiple SclerosisDR PHU HOANG, PROFESSOR STEPHEN LORD, DR JASMINE MENANT Prof Stephen Lord, Dr Phu Hoang, Dr Jasmine Menant Gait dysfunction in Mulitple Sclerosis is an important risk factor for falls. Although there is detailed biomechanical evidence of impaired gait patterns in people with Multiple Sclerosis, there is a paucity of objective empirical data relating specific lower limb muscle strength deficits and gait impairments. Most studies to date have used manual muscle testing to investigate lower limb muscle strength and/or have only focused on knee flexors and extensors. In this study, we aim to identify weak lower limb muscles contributing to gait impairment in Multiple Sclerosis. Our experimental protocol involves a comprehensive assessment of isometric strength in eight major lower limb muscle groups using electronic strain gauges. We then conduct a full lower-limb gait analysis using motion capture and force platforms. We will conduct statistical analyses to determine which weak muscle groups are significantly associated with markers of gait impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (eg. knee range of motion during the gait cycle). We are also planning to use electromyography on the identified deficient muscle groups in a subset of participants. Our research will identify the muscle groups contributing to poor gait, likely causing imbalance and trips in people with Multiple Sclerosis. This work is crucial for developing progressive resistance training programs that directly target weak muscle groups to improve gait in people with Multiple Sclerosis. How do I stop my fear of falling in older adults?Exercise (planned, structured, repetitive and purposive physical activity aimed at improving physical fitness) may reduce fear of falling by improving strength, gait, balance and mood, and reducing the occurrence of falls.
What is the best exercise to improve balance in elderly?Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step 2: Extend your arms out to the sides and slowly lift your right knee up off the floor. Step 3: Straighten your leg out in front of you, hold that position for 30 seconds, and relax. Repeat this exercise for both legs at least three times.
Which type of exercise specifically helps prevent falls in older adults?The sit-to-stand exercise builds leg strength and improves body mechanics and balance, which are all important in reducing falls. 1. Start by sitting on a sturdy chair of standard height, and make sure that it won't slide or roll.
What activities help older people decrease falls?Exercise to Prevent Falls. Weight shifting. Standing with your feet at hip-width, shift your weight to one side, lifting your opposite foot off of the floor. ... . One-legged balancing. Start with your feet at hip-width and your hands on your hips. ... . Heel-toe walk. ... . Leg raises. ... . Foot taps. ... . Head rotations. ... . Standing marches. ... . Sit-to-stands.. |
Which practice has been helpful in reducing fear of falling and improving balance in older adults?
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