Affiliations: Physical Therapy Program, College of Staten Island, CUNY, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
Correspondence:
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PT, FAPTA, Professor and Director of Research, Physical Therapy Program, Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314, USA. Tel.: +1 718 982 3153; Fax: +1 718 982 2984
Abstract: The purpose of the researchers was to determine if there is a difference in the Functional Ambulation Performance score and step/extremity ratio of senior adults with and without a history of falls walking at a preferred velocity. A random sample of twenty-four senior adults was selected to participate in this study. The participants underwent several tests for balance, strength, ankle flexibility, and foot sensation. Statistical analysis of the two groups demonstrated a significant decrease in FAP score for those with a history of falls. They had lower values for step/extremity ratios, mean normalized velocity, and greater values for step times, heel to heel base of support, and percent in double support. There was also a significant decrease in balance, strength, and tactile sensation between the two groups. These findings suggest that there is a measurable decrease in the performance of gait in senior adults who have fallen that may be related to diminished strength, balance, and tactile sensation.
