Gait performance and the benefits of exercise in adults living in residential aged care.

Abstract

Despite significant advances in our understanding of the biomechanical factors influencing gait performance in community-dwelling older adults, very little of this type of research has been conducted in residential aged care (RAC) adults.A similar view can be taken regarding our understanding regarding the benefits and feasibility of progressive resistance and balance training exercise programmes, particularly within the RAC setting. The primary purpose of this Thesis was to characterise and describe the spatio-temporal parameters of gait performance and benefits of exercise for Australian adults living in RAC. This was completed through a systematic programme of literature reviews, and clinical studies that accounted for the limitations of the extant literature and current gaps in the knowledge. In summary, the results of this thesis demonstrated that: 1) Adults living in RAC have spatio-temporal parameters associated with low gait speed and the associated risk of falling for residents; and 2) that progressive resistance training is safe and feasible, and results in significant improvements in muscle function, including gait speed.

Date of Award	13 Oct 2018
Original language	English
Supervisor	Justin Keogh (Supervisor), Michael Climstein (Supervisor) & Timothy Henwood (Supervisor)