A Comparison of Hip versus Ankle Exercises in Elders and the Influence on Balance and Gait

Gras, Laura Z.; Levangie, Pamela K.; Goodwin-Segal, Mary; Lawrence, Deborah A.

doi:10.1519/00139143-200408000-00001

Cited by 10 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…The significantly beneficial effects of TC exercises on the strength of ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors have been demonstrated in TC practitioners with more than four years experience (Xu et al, 2006). Gras et al (2004) reported that an 8-week home exercise program could not significantly improve muscle strength in either hip or ankle joints among elderly people. Their exercise program included stretching five days a week and strengthening thrice a week over an 8-week Note: t and p values are from independent student t-tests in the mean change of post-and pre-test scores between the Tai Chi group and control group.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in muscle strength, endurance, and reaction of the lower extremities with Tai Chi intervention

Hong

2009

Journal of Biomechanics

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in muscle strength, endurance, and reaction of the lower extremities with Tai Chi intervention

Hong

2009

Journal of Biomechanics

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“…Comfortable gait speed using the 6-meter walk test is reliable for people with AD (ICC 2,1=.973–.977) 14 and community dwelling older adults (ICC 3,1=.96). 38 Normal gait speed for 60–69 year olds is 1.24m/sec and 70–79 year olds 1.09–1.25m/sec. 45,46 …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…37 It is a reliable measure for intrarater reliability for older adults (ICC=.70–.83). 38 Older females who have fallen average 34.28 seconds on their first attempt and 38.50 seconds on their best attempt. 39 …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A researcher walked alongside each subject to guard against loss of balance. The TUG is a reliable measure for people with AD (ICC 2,2=.985–.988) 14 and for older adults (ICC 3,1=.90) 38 and is moderately correlated with the Berg Balance Scale (r= −.76) for older adults. 41 The mean time for 60–69 year olds is 8.1 seconds and for 70–79 year olds is 9.2 seconds.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Clinical relevance between groups was determined by the minimal detectable change (MDC) for sharpened Romberg eyes open MDC=15.52 seconds, TUG MDC=2.77, and gait velocity at comfortable speed MDC=.125m/s by converting the standard error of the measurement to MDC scores in previous research on community dwelling older adults done by Gras et al 38 Fast gait speed was based on the MDC=.21m/s in a study by Mangione et al although the subjects in that study were African-American and ours were not. 48 MDC values were not found for sharpened Romberg eyes closed and gait velocity, stance time or step length on the GAITRite® mat.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Balance and Gait of Adults With Very Mild Alzheimer Disease

Gras

Kanaan²,

McDowd³

et al. 2015

Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy

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Background and Purpose Studies have shown that adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have gait and balance deficits, however the focus has been on those with mild to severe disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if balance and gait deficits are present in those with very mild AD. Methods Thirteen adults (72.9 ± 4.7 years old) with very mild AD and thirteen age (72.6 ± 4.6 years old) and gender-matched (10 males, 3 females) participants in a control group without AD performed balance and gait tests. All participants were living in the community and independent in community ambulation. Results Participants with very mild AD had shorter times in the sharpened Romberg tests with eyes open (p<0.001) and with eyes closed (p=0.007) compared to participants in the control group. Those with AD also took longer to complete the Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), (p< 0.001). Gait deficits were found for those with AD as demonstrated by slower velocities in the 10-meter walk at a comfortable pace (p=0.029) and on an instrumented walkway (p<0.001). Stance times were longer for those with AD (p<0.001) and step length was shorter (p=0.001). There were no group differences in the 10-meter walk at a fast pace. The gait velocity of participants in the control group was faster on the instrumented walkway than in the 10-meter walk at a comfortable pace (p=0.031). In contrast, the gait velocity of those with AD was significantly slower on the instrumented walkway than in the 10-meter walk at a comfortable pace, (p=0.024). Discussion Balance and gait deficits may be present in those in the very early stages of AD. Novel surfaces may affect gait speed in those with very mild AD. Identifying mobility deficits early in the progression of AD may provide an opportunity for early physical therapy intervention, thus promoting continued functional independence. Conclusions Adults in the very early stages of AD may show signs of balance and gait deficits. Recognition of these problems early with subsequent physical therapy may slow the progression of further balance and gait dysfunction.

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