Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Meridee Danks

Keywords

Accidental Falls -- prevention & control; Aged, 80 and over; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors

Abstract

Stepping On is a seven week fall prevention program that utilizes education and exercise. The purpose of this study is to see if the participants of Stepping On can show a decrease in fall risk through the use of the 30 Second Chair Stand Test (30sCST), a functional assessment tool used to assess fall risk. This study looked at a group of 14 females (M=87 y/o) at an assisted living facility, who met the program's qualifications (community dwelling individuals and ≥ 65 y/o) and attended the Stepping On program. Only eight participants were tested using the 30sCST at Week 1 and Week 7 of the program in addition to four other fall risk assessments (Single Leg Stand/ Tandem Stance, Timed Up and Go, Cognitive Timed Up and Go, and the GAIT Rite).

This study specifically looks at the 30sCST and whether it is a good test to use with Stepping On participants, by comparing each individual's score to normative data of their age group. Out of the eight participants assessed, only one showed an improved percent in change (100%), with a decrease in fall risk. Two of the eight participants were not at risk of falling when compared to the normative data for their age group. Factors that may have had an impact on the results of this study include; high mean age of group, visual and hearing deficits, lack of motivation, low compliance to exercise, musculoskeletal co-morbidities, use of assistive devices, slower rate of exercise progression within the program, and meeting one time per week as a group.

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