Publication Date

1998

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Rimmer, James H.

Degree Name

M.S. Ed. (Master of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Physical Education

LCSH

Equilibrium (Physiology); Older people--Physiology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between measures of balance performance and perceived balance self-efficacy in older adults. A second purpose was to determine if these measures differed between exercising and nonexercising older adults. Finally, subjects that used an assistive aid would have lower balance self-efficacy scores than those who did not. Sixty subjects, 65 to 95 years, were recruited from a retirement center. Subjects were divided into exercise (E) and nonexercise (NE) groups, and further divided into those who used an assistive aid (A) versus those who did not use an aid (NA). Moderately strong associations were found between the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Timed 'Up & Go' (r= -.76), Functional Reach (r=.54) and Stork Stand tests (r=.52) (p.?02). The E group was significantly different from the NE group for each of the 4 dependent variables (p?.02). The E group had significantly higher balance self-efficacy (M=82±16%) and balance performance scores on the 'Up & Go' (M=6.7±1.7 secs.), FR (M=11.00±2.00 In.), and Stork Stand (M=27.2±24.8 secs.) compared to the NE group (M=60±20%; M=10.2±2.5 secs.; M=8.70±1.90 In.; M=8.4±6.0 secs.) (p?.02). Subjects who used an aid had significantly lower balance self-efficacy scores (M=53±16%) compared to those that did not use an aid (M=80±17%) (p?.02). This suggests that older exercisers have higher levels of balance self-efficacy and balance performance, which may lead to greater levels of functional mobility and improved quality of life.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [48]-50)

Extent

66 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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