Effects of a resistance training program performed with an interocclusal splint for community-dwelling older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] To examine whether resistance training for elderly community-dwellers performed with an interocclusal splint resulted in greater lower extremity muscle strength and better balance than resistance training performed without an interocclusal splint. [Subjects and Methods] Eighty-eight elderly persons using Japanese community day centers were randomly divided into two groups: an intervention group (n=45), which performed resistance training with an interocclusal splint; and a control group (n=43), which performed resistance training without an interocclusal splint. The resistance training program comprised a 40-min session performed twice a week for 12 weeks.

Effectiveness of a balance-training program provided by qualified care workers for community-based older adults: A preliminary study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a balance-training program provided by qualified care workers (QCWs) to community-based older adults attending day centers. Weekly balance training was conducted by QCWs working at day centers over a 6-month period. Fall risk factors, fear of falling, and physical function were compared between balance-training (n = 22) and control (n = 23) groups at baseline and after 6 months of intervention.

Effects of a balance training program using a foam rubber pad in community-based older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Background And Purpose: Exercise programs aimed at improving balance are effective in fall prevention for older adults. Guidelines indicate that unstable elements should be integrated in balance training with this population. Balance training on an unstable surface facilitates proprioception mediated by skin receptors in the soles of the feet and by mechanoreceptors in the joints and muscles.

A modified fall risk assessment tool that is specific to physical function predicts falls in community-dwelling elderly people.

Background And Purpose: Developing a practical fall risk assessment tool to predict the occurrence of falls in the primary care setting is important because investigators have reported deterioration of physical function associated with falls. Researchers have used many performance tests to predict the occurrence of falls. These performance tests predict falls and also assess physical function and determine exercise interventions.

Position-specific deficit of joint position sense in ankles with chronic functional instability.

The present study was aimed to test a hypothesis that individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI) underestimate the joint angle at greater plantarflexion and inversion. Seventeen males with unilateral FAI and 17 controls (males without FAI) consented for participation in this IRB-approved, case-control study. Using a passive reproduction test, we assessed ankle joint position sense (JPS) for test positions between 30 and -10 degrees plantarflexion with an inclement of 10 degrees with or without 20° inversion at each plantarflexion angle.

Feasibility and effectiveness of a nurse-led community exercise programme for prevention of falls among frail elderly people: a multi-centre controlled trial.

Objective: To determine whether an exercise programme provided by public health nurses is effective in improving physical function and psychological status in elderly people, in reducing falls and risk factors for falls in elderly people, and whether the intervention is a feasible programme within the community.

Design: Controlled intervention trial.

Subjects: Participants included 144 persons in the intervention group and 124 persons in the control group, who were living at home, aged over 65 years, and with 5 or more risk factors for falls identified using the questionnaire for fall assessment (Suzuki).

Experiences of professionals providing community care for disabled people in Nagasaki and Southampton.

Objective: To report on the factors affecting the resolution of problems experienced by community care professionals and to refine a checklist of methodological issues for future cross-cultural comparative studies.

Design: A preliminary comparative study between Japan and the UK.

Subjects: 630 subjects in Nagasaki, Japan and 109 subjects in Southampton, UK who were physically disabled, aged over 40 years, living at home and currently using at least 1 of the community disability care services.