Deaf older adults 60 years and older are enrolled into an 8-week exercise program delivered in American Sign Language. The class meets twice a week, with handout and video homework. Outcome measures are self-reported balance confidence, lower extremity strength, walking and agility, and standing balance. In addition, attendance and keeping up with exercises at home will be tracked.
The intervention will be 8 weeks of 2 meetings/wk exercise class, delivered entirely in ASL. Homework exercise will also be provided. 10-12 participants will be recruited for each of the 4 semesters of offerings. Physical balance as well as balance confidence will be measured prior to and immediately after the 8-week intervention. In addition, balance confidence will be measured 6-months after the conclusion of the intervention period.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
8 weeks of 2 meetings/wk exercise class, with a once weekly homework exercise, delivered entirely in ASL
Gallaudet University
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States
RECRUITINGSit-to-Stand
The number of times a person can stand from a chair and sit down, without using hands.
Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention
Timed Up-and-Go
The time it takes for a person to stand from a chair, walk 10 ft, turn around, walk back, and sit back down.
Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention
Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration on Balance
The measure of how steadily a person can stand under 4 conditions (eyes open, on firm surface, eyes closed on firm surface, eyes open on foam, and eyes closed on foam)
Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention
Sit and Reach
How far a person can reach beyond their toes. Measure of flexibility.
Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention
Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale
A self-report measure of how confident a person is in not falling under various conditions. Reported in 0-100%; higher score means more confidence (better outcome).
Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention, 6 months after intervention
Fall Risk Questionnaire
A self-report measure of the number of risk factors a person exhibits. Reported in a scale of 0-14 points; higher score indicates a greater risk (worse outcome).
Time frame: 1 - 21 days before the start of intervention; within 2 weeks of the end of intervention, 6 months after intervention
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Attendance rate
How many exercise class sessions, out of 16, a participant attended
Time frame: During intervention
Step Count
The number of steps gathered through Fitbit
Time frame: During intervention
Effective exercise level
The Active Zone Minutes gathered through Fitbit
Time frame: During intervention
Self-reported exercise level
The participant's report on how much time they are spending on exercises
Time frame: 6 months after the intervention