Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Fall Prevention exercise research study seeking participants in Sacramento, CA
Have you fallen? Are you afraid of falling?
Do you want to reduce the risk of falling?
Do you want to reduce the risk of falling?
IF so, this FALL PREVENTION RESEARCH STUDY may be just for you!
WHAT:
- Fall Prevevention exercise DVD program
- 12-week study
- Strictly voluntary participation: no financial compensation
- Follow along with DVD program in your home
- Complete weekly adherence calendar
- Researcher provides next level of DVD program every 4 weeks
- Randomized assignment to study group (follows DVD program) or control group (no intervention, no new exercise program)
- Control group offered the FallProof™ at Home DVD program upon completion of study
- IN your home
- Pre- and Post-test assessments at local community or senior center
In order to participate, you must meet strict eligibility requirements:
WHO:
- over the age of 65
- Live independently in house or apartment
- Do not require an assistive device for mobility (can walk 200 feet independently)
- Must have fallen at least once in prior year or have 1+ fall risk factors
- Do not have cognitive impairment
- Do not have heart disease, respiratory, or circulation disease that impairs ability to function independently
- Do no have a progressive neurological condition (Parkinson's Disease, MS)
- Must have DVD player o access to one 3 times a week
- Oak Park Community Center: Aug 3, 10:30-3:30. 3425 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd 95817
- Cordova Senior Activities Center: August 7, 10-2. 3480 Routier Road 95827
- South Natomas Community Center: August 10, 1-5. 2921 Truxel Road 95833
- Eskaton: August 18, 1-5. 5959 65th Street 95823
If you meet study requirements & want to be part of this fall prevention research study,
RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT. PLEASE CONTACT:
Kelly Ward is a graduate student of the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration department at California State University, Sacramento. This research study design has been approved by CSUS human subjects committee.
FallProof™ is a nationally recognized balance and mobility program designed by Dr. Debra Rose of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence. This is a pilot study of the FallProof at Home DVD series.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Senior Fitness Testing in Sacramento...
" You're guessing if you're not assessing"- Paul Chek.
Life events and individual physical abilities greatly influence the way we move and the pain we feel each day. The daily choices a person makes also affects physical capability. The result: everyone ages differently. Rikli and Jones' Senior Fitness Test assesses the five physical parameters relevant to functional fitness:
Saturday morning, I was up early to administer the SFT to my group of seniors at Atria El Camino Gardens. I "influenced" attendance with donuts so with an assorted dozen, I tested 10 adults over the age of 80. I had originally tested this group last year and wanted to re-test to measure progress or regression after a year of consistent FallProof™-style balance and mobility training.
Although I only see this group once a week, I encourage consistent practice. In other words, Take 5 to Exercise each day! Evelyn attributes her heart health to consistent practice, Harold and Marie attribute the fall risk reduction techniques I teach to helping him manage his Parkinson's Disease, Thelma bounced back from a second stroke and has more drive than ever to make the time to exercise and Dr. and Mrs. Wu push themselves each week despite language barriers, cognitive and physical challenges.
Fall prevention exercises and balance challenges are not a one-size fits all. Beware of online marketing schemes that tell you otherwise. Try to find a local exercise class or an evidence-based DVD program.
My Take 5 to Exercise series is based on Dr. Rose's FallProof™ program and stresses the basics: the importance of flexibility, strength, good posture and maintaining the major joints and muscles. The results from the fitness testing I have done on my group at Atria support my program: it works. (Individual results to follow).
So there it is, get assessed, get moving and get re-assessed to chart your progress. You will improve! Stick with it and Take 5 to Exercise every day!
The Fall Prevention Lady
Life events and individual physical abilities greatly influence the way we move and the pain we feel each day. The daily choices a person makes also affects physical capability. The result: everyone ages differently. Rikli and Jones' Senior Fitness Test assesses the five physical parameters relevant to functional fitness:
- Muscular strength
- Aerobic endurance
- Flexibility (upper and lower-body)
- Agility/dynamic balance
- Body mass index
Saturday morning, I was up early to administer the SFT to my group of seniors at Atria El Camino Gardens. I "influenced" attendance with donuts so with an assorted dozen, I tested 10 adults over the age of 80. I had originally tested this group last year and wanted to re-test to measure progress or regression after a year of consistent FallProof™-style balance and mobility training.
Although I only see this group once a week, I encourage consistent practice. In other words, Take 5 to Exercise each day! Evelyn attributes her heart health to consistent practice, Harold and Marie attribute the fall risk reduction techniques I teach to helping him manage his Parkinson's Disease, Thelma bounced back from a second stroke and has more drive than ever to make the time to exercise and Dr. and Mrs. Wu push themselves each week despite language barriers, cognitive and physical challenges.
Fall prevention exercises and balance challenges are not a one-size fits all. Beware of online marketing schemes that tell you otherwise. Try to find a local exercise class or an evidence-based DVD program.
My Take 5 to Exercise series is based on Dr. Rose's FallProof™ program and stresses the basics: the importance of flexibility, strength, good posture and maintaining the major joints and muscles. The results from the fitness testing I have done on my group at Atria support my program: it works. (Individual results to follow).
So there it is, get assessed, get moving and get re-assessed to chart your progress. You will improve! Stick with it and Take 5 to Exercise every day!
The Fall Prevention Lady
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Therapeutic Aging....
I have finished the classroom time for my specialized master of science degree, Therapeutic Aging and am now 2 weeks into my Therapeutic Recreation internship at the Cordova Senior Activities center in Rancho Cordova, CA. Although it's tough doing an unpaid internship, the experience truly is priceless. I am applying my gerontology skills (study of aging) by working with the population I thoroughly enjoy; older adults.
My supervisor is a CTRS who is an absolute joy to work for. This woman, Jenn Taylor, knows her stuff. And she has no fear! She is a mover and a shaker who is implementing a risk management-based approach to a totally risky situation after reviewing the risk management manual I prepared for her as part of my graduate studies. She is a professional, she is smart, and she is compassionate. Her area of expertise is children living with developmental disabilities but she can shine anywhere because she believes in the Therapeutic Recreation process; APIE.
Through Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation, recreation can be therapeutic. As older adults are faced with increasing amounts of leisure time and increased physical limitations, it is up to community providers to assess, plan, and implement effective programs that improve quality of life. The only way to realize if the program was successful is to evaluate the responses and outcomes.
NO matter what age or what disability, people who take responsibility for their health can be successful. Aging is a unique process to each and everyone of us and so are strengths and abilities. Discover what you can do, combine it with what you love to do and you will thrive. Adaptations can be made, respect your limitations and challenge yourself safely to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.
In other words, Take 5 to Exercise everyday however you enjoy!
The Fall Prevention Lady
My supervisor is a CTRS who is an absolute joy to work for. This woman, Jenn Taylor, knows her stuff. And she has no fear! She is a mover and a shaker who is implementing a risk management-based approach to a totally risky situation after reviewing the risk management manual I prepared for her as part of my graduate studies. She is a professional, she is smart, and she is compassionate. Her area of expertise is children living with developmental disabilities but she can shine anywhere because she believes in the Therapeutic Recreation process; APIE.
Through Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation, recreation can be therapeutic. As older adults are faced with increasing amounts of leisure time and increased physical limitations, it is up to community providers to assess, plan, and implement effective programs that improve quality of life. The only way to realize if the program was successful is to evaluate the responses and outcomes.
NO matter what age or what disability, people who take responsibility for their health can be successful. Aging is a unique process to each and everyone of us and so are strengths and abilities. Discover what you can do, combine it with what you love to do and you will thrive. Adaptations can be made, respect your limitations and challenge yourself safely to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.
In other words, Take 5 to Exercise everyday however you enjoy!
The Fall Prevention Lady
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