Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Department
Physical Therapy
First Advisor
Cindy Flom-Meland
Keywords
Older adults, Senior Games, strength, flexibility, balance, agility
Abstract
It is common to develop certain conditions with aging that can include but not limited to: osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, falls, and general geriatric syndromes (delirium, dementia, depression, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, sarcopenia, chronic pain). Physical activity can help prevent many conditions. This is where the Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) becomes relevant. It is specifically designed by physical therapist Becca Jordre, in order to evaluate cardiovascular, muscular, flexibility, and balance fitness within the older adult population. At the Senior Games, the SAFE is used as a screening tool designed to identify health and risk factors for the senior athlete. Some research has shown there are differences between the senior athlete population and older adults who do not exercise as regularly. It is hypothesized that the more physically fit population would either perform at or above the normative data provided in the SAFE.
The SAFE was used to collect the data in this research study. The participants of the study included athletes participating in the Senior Games and were at least 50 years of age, with a total of 52 participants included. The data collected was then used to be compared to the normative values. The results of the study indicate the senior athletes performed at or above the normative values in the categories of: oxygen saturation, heart rate, female waist circumference, grip strength, chair stand, ankle dorsiflexion, single leg stance eyes closed, single leg stance eyes open on foam, gait speed, and four-square agility test.
These results indicate that the senior athletes were able to perform at or better than normative data in many categories of the SAFE. However, more research needs to be conducted comparing the senior athlete to the normative data.
Recommended Citation
Flicek, Brooke M.; Halvorson, Kailen G.; Schuster, Ashley J.; and White, Kacee J., "A Comparison of Senior Athlete Data to Normative Values: A research study" (2024). Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects. 797.
https://commons.und.edu/pt-grad/797