title: The Relationship Between Pedometer-Determined Ambulatory Activity and Balance Variables Within an Older Adult Population.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the differences between gender, physical activity level, and balance in an older adult population. A secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between pedometer-determined ambulatory activity and balance. Forty-six older adults aged 73.7 ± 6.2 years participated in the study. Participants completed the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale and completed a 2-week daily step recording to determine average steps taken per day. Low-level activity participants (<5,000 steps/day) were significantly different from the high-level activity participants (>7,500 steps/day) in weight, age, and the number of medications reported. Males performed better than females on the two-footed jump test and reactive postural test FAB assessments. High-level activity participants performed significantly better than low-level activity participants on all FAB assessments except stand with feet together and eyes closed, reach forward to object, and walk with head turns.
authors.affiliation: California State University, Long Beach, USA.
authors.forename: Candice
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: California State University, Long Beach, USA.
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kress
authors.affiliation: California State University, Long Beach, USA.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schroeder
authors.affiliation: California State University, Long Beach, USA.
authors.forename: Ayla
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Donlin
authors.affiliation: California State University, Long Beach, USA.
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rozenek
keywords: dynamic balance; gender; older adult; physical activity level