APTA Geriatrics' Guiding Principles for Best Practices in Geriatric Physical Therapy: An Executive Summary.

Geriatric physical therapy requires a unique skill set and knowledge to provide best practice care. The skill set requires clinicians to recognize the significance of the continuum of aging from optimal to pathology-influenced aging and how psychosocial, environmental, behavioral, accessibility, and economic factors affect this aging continuum, optimal health, and wellness. Employing this distinctive skill set while also utilizing evidence-based practice, acknowledging the variability observed in older adults, and utilizing interwoven care systems that impact outcomes are key characteristics of best practice.

Performance and Clinimetric Properties of the Timed Up From Floor Test Completed by Apparently Healthy Community-Dwelling Older Women.

Background And Purpose: Standing up from the floor is a demanding mobility activity with important implications. The purpose of this study was to describe performance and the clinimetric properties of the Timed Up From Floor (TUFF) test completed by apparently healthy community-dwelling older women.

Methods: In this observational and methodological quality study, 52 community-dwelling women, 55 years and older, were examined.

A Movement system impairment approach to evaluation and treatment of a person with lumbar radiculopathy: A case report.

Background And Purpose: There are several systems of classification and treatment of patients with low back pain (LBP) based on assessment of the effect of lumbar postures and movements on symptoms. The efficacy of one of these systems, The Movement System Impairment (MSI) method, has not yet been demonstrated in the literature. The purpose of this case report is to describe the approach of the MSI method for an individual with lumbar radiculopathy.

Resilience, physical performance measures, and self-perceived physical and mental health in older Catholic nuns.

Background And Purpose: The importance of physical performance measures and their influence on predicting future disability has been suggested; however, the association between resilience and physical performance measures in older women needs further study. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the resilience level in a convenience sample of older women who happened to be Roman Catholic nuns. The relationships of resilience with specific physical performance measures, self-perceived physical and mental health status, and depressive symptoms were also explored.

Case report: an evidence-based approach to examination and intervention following hip fracture.

Background And Purpose: A majority of older adults with hip fracture retain longstanding disabilities following surgery. Research suggests that more aggressive treatment techniques can improve outcome. The purpose of this case report is to describe an evidence-based approach to guide physical therapy examination and intervention for a woman with significant frailty recovering from hip fracture.

White paper: Strength training for the older adult.

The aim of this White Paper was to review the current recommendations for strength training of older adults, to promote physical therapist best practice and achieve optimal functional outcomes. A secondary intent was to encourage prospective researchers to use published guidelines to establish an adequate strength stimulus for patients in their research, rather than perpetuating "usual or traditional" care.