Examining physiotherapist use of structured aerobic exercise testing to decrease barriers to aerobic exercise.

: To determine the frequency of physiotherapist-administered aerobic exercise testing/training, the proportion of physiotherapists who administer this testing/training, and the barriers that currently exist across different practice environments. A secondary objective is to identify the learning needs of physiotherapists for the development of an education curriculum in aerobic exercise testing and training with electrocardiograph (ECG) administration and interpretation. : National, cross-sectional survey.

Atypical anticipatory postural adjustments during gait initiation among individuals with sub-acute stroke.

Anticipatory postural adjustments, executed prior to gait initiation, help preserve lateral stability when stepping. Atypical patterns of anticipatory activity prior to gait initiation may occur in individuals with unilateral impairment (e.g.

Can augmented feedback facilitate learning a reactive balance task among older adults?

While concurrent augmented visual feedback of the center of pressure (COP) or center of gravity (COG) can improve quiet standing balance control, it is not known whether such feedback improves reactive balance control. Additionally, it is not known whether feedback of the COP or COG is superior. This study aimed to determine whether (1) concurrent augmented feedback can improve reactive balance control, and (2) feedback of the COP or COG is more effective.

Does participation in standardized aerobic fitness training during inpatient stroke rehabilitation promote engagement in aerobic exercise after discharge? A cohort study.

Objective: To determine whether attending an aerobic fitness program during inpatient stroke rehabilitation is associated with increased participation in physical activity after discharge.

Design: This was a prospective cohort study. Patients who received inpatient stroke rehabilitation and were discharged into the community (n = 61; mean age, 65 years) were recruited.

Effects of uni- and multimodal cueing on handrail grasping and associated gaze behavior in older adults.

Introduction: It appears that age-related changes in visual attention may impair ability to acquire the visuospatial information needed to grasp a handrail effectively in response to sudden loss of balance. This, in turn, may increase risk of falling. To counter this problem, we developed a proximity-triggered cueing system that provides a visual cue (flashing lights) and/or verbal cue ("attention use the handrail") to attract attention to the handrail.

Is impaired control of reactive stepping related to falls during inpatient stroke rehabilitation?

Background: Individuals with stroke fall more often than age-matched controls. Although many focus on the multifactorial nature of falls, the fundamental problem is likely the ability for an individual to generate reactions to recover from a loss of balance. Stepping reactions to recover balance are particularly important to balance recovery, and individuals with stroke have difficulty executing these responses to prevent a fall following a loss of balance.