Doctor of physical therapy students are conducting a research study and are in need of volunteers who are older adults. The study concerns developing a fall prevention program through balance exercises that mitigate the risk of falling.
To participate in our study, you must:
- Be age 60 or older
- Live independently or in an assisted living facility
- Be able to walk at least one block without the help of another person
- Stand unsupported without an assistive device
- Pass a mental status examination
To participate, you must not have a diagnosis of a neurological condition or a current illness or health issues that would make performing physical activities unsafe. Also, you may not be taking medications which cause excessive sleepiness.
Participants will come to the university’s Medical Sciences Building, where we would ask you to sign an informed consent form, answer questions, and perform a short mental status examination and a timed up-and-go test. Depending on your responses to the questionnaires and timed up-and-go performance, you may or may not be eligible for the study.
Those who are eligible will perform a physical performance test in a lab setting, consisting of the following activities: blood pressure and heart rate, walking test, balance tests, and a fear of falling questionnaire.
You are able to stop participation in the study at any time and for any reason. No information that would identify you will be made public, and we do not feel there is more than minimal risk associated with this study.
If you or anyone you know is interested in participating, we invite you to schedule an appointment for testing. Please call 503-554-2463 or email the study team at GFUDPT.Research@gmail.com.