Going into the interview sessions we were not sure what to expect when conducting our interviews. Asking personal questions to someone is never easy and if you are not used to communicating with elderly patients then it can be intimidating. Our group consisted of four members who each interviewed one elderly individual using the same questions we decided on in the beginning. The questions started with the basics such as age, gender, what medications they are currently taking, and then got into what, if anything, was currently causing problems. Based on this information, we then started asking about daily activities such as preparing food, exercising, and overall living arrangements each of our individuals had. We thought it was important
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The BBS consists of 14 items that are scored on a scale of 0 to 4.1 A score of 0 is given if the participant is unable to do the task, and a score of 4 is given if the participant is able to complete the task fully based on the criterion.1 The maximum overall total score is a 56.1 The tests include simple mobility tasks such as transfers, standing unsupported and sit-to-stand. The higher level skill tasks tandem standing, turning 360 degrees and single-leg stance. Several of our adults interviewed seemed to have difficulty with dynamic and static balance. They complained of difficulty standing without holding onto something (showering) and with dynamic movement (gait). The instability experienced could be an indication of a higher fall risk. Several research studies have shown that a baseline BBS score contributes to distinguishing between elderly people who are more prone to falling. …show more content…
This outcome measure would be necessary because many of our participants did not have any regular exercise. Three of them are extremely sedentary with their formal exercise consisting of walking around their apartment. One of the subjects is a former cigarette smoker and another presently continues to smoke. Considering normal aging, sedentary lifestyle and past/present smoking status the 6 minute walk test would be vital in assessing their cardiovascular endurance and overall gait and mobility. Specifically, the 6MW is used to measure the maximum distance that a person can walk in 6 minutes. 1 The 6MW has been used to predict morbidity and mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, advanced heart failure, and chronic obstructive lung disease.1 This outcome measure is a useful because it is easy to administer and is specific to normal daily activities of most. The ability to move at a normal speed is a concern of safety for an individual in society and the community. In a peer reviewed study the distance was significantly greater for active than for inactive older adults and moderately correlated with standing balance and gait speed. 3 It is paramount that everyone especially older individuals to stay active and keep moving. This is evident in our adults interviewed and the lack of
The BBS consists of 14 items that are scored on a scale of 0 to 4.1 A score of 0 is given if the participant is unable to do the task, and a score of 4 is given if the participant is able to complete the task fully based on the criterion.1 The maximum overall total score is a 56.1 The tests include simple mobility tasks such as transfers, standing unsupported and sit-to-stand. The higher level skill tasks tandem standing, turning 360 degrees and single-leg stance. Several of our adults interviewed seemed to have difficulty with dynamic and static balance. They complained of difficulty standing without holding onto something (showering) and with dynamic movement (gait). The instability experienced could be an indication of a higher fall risk. Several research studies have shown that a baseline BBS score contributes to distinguishing between elderly people who are more prone to falling. …show more content…
This outcome measure would be necessary because many of our participants did not have any regular exercise. Three of them are extremely sedentary with their formal exercise consisting of walking around their apartment. One of the subjects is a former cigarette smoker and another presently continues to smoke. Considering normal aging, sedentary lifestyle and past/present smoking status the 6 minute walk test would be vital in assessing their cardiovascular endurance and overall gait and mobility. Specifically, the 6MW is used to measure the maximum distance that a person can walk in 6 minutes. 1 The 6MW has been used to predict morbidity and mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, advanced heart failure, and chronic obstructive lung disease.1 This outcome measure is a useful because it is easy to administer and is specific to normal daily activities of most. The ability to move at a normal speed is a concern of safety for an individual in society and the community. In a peer reviewed study the distance was significantly greater for active than for inactive older adults and moderately correlated with standing balance and gait speed. 3 It is paramount that everyone especially older individuals to stay active and keep moving. This is evident in our adults interviewed and the lack of