Examining the Effects of a Multimodal Structured Physical Activity Program on Complex Mobility in Older Adults

The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of a multimodal physical activity program on complex mobility. Seventy older adults (mean ±SD age 78.07 ± 5.67 years) with impaired lower extremity functioning were recruited from the physical activity (PA) or successful aging (SA) groups of the LIFE study. The PA intervention combined aerobic, strength, and flexibility/balance training and met twice per week. Complex mobility was assessed using the Walking Decision Making Task (WDMT) and the 7 meter walk (7MW). The WDMT is an eight meter T-shaped walking task designed to present a cognitive challenge (i.e. making a turning decision), while walking at a quick pace. Directional stimuli presented during the task were neutral, congruent, or incongruent. During the 7MW, participants walked seven meters at a fast pace while stepping over two obstacles (6 and 30 cm tall). Performance times were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Although performance times on the incongruent conditions were significantly slower than both the neutral and congruent conditions (p's <.0001), there were no significant between group differences in change scores from baseline to 12 or 24 month follow up on complex mobility (all p's > 0.05). Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of PA on complex mobility.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Griffith, Erika

• complex mobility

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/39266

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/39266