title: Multimodal Exercise Benefits Mobility in Older Adults With Visual Impairment: A Preliminary Study.
abstract: Evidence-based recommendations for interventions to reduce fall risk in older adults with visual impairment are lacking. Adapted tango dance (Tango) and a balance and mobility program (FallProof) have improved mobility, balance, and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with movement impairment. This study compared the efficacy of Tango and FallProof for 32 individuals with visual impairment (age: M = 79.3, SD =11 [51-95 years]). Participants were assigned to Tango or FallProof to complete twenty, 90-min lessons within 12 weeks. Participants underwent assessment of balance, dual-tasking, endurance, gait, and vision-related QOL. The balance reactions of participants in both groups improved (p < .001). Endurance, cognitive dual-tasking, and vision-related QOL may have improved more for Tango than FallProof. Group differences and gains were maintained across time. Both programs could be effective options for motor rehabilitation for older adults with visual impairment because they may improve mobility and QOL while reducing fall risk.
authors.affiliation: Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA.
authors.forename: Madeleine E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Hackney
authors.forename: Courtney D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Katharina V
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Echt
authors.forename: Steven L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Wolf
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003615:Dancing / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*