Theresa A. Schmidt – 2-Day: Functional Aging: Tools & Techniques to Improve Outcomes in Older Patients

Outline

FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY AND BALANCE ASSESSMENT IN ELDERS

• Balance definitions, systems and strategies
• Aging process and epidemiology of falls
• Risk factors in aging, medications, medical and degenerative processes

FUNCTION AND BALANCE ASSESSMENT

GAIT AND BALANCE ASSESSMENT TESTS

INTERVENTIONS TO ENHANCE BALANCE AND PREVENT FALLS

• Exercise program design: Active Balance Clinic (ABC)
• Tai Chi
• OTAGO

EVIDENCE-BASED OUTCOMES

• What studies say about balance tools and interventions
• Fall reduction, rates and risks
• AGS panel recommendations on balance

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME TESTS DISCUSSION

• Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE)
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA)
• Barthel Index
• Self-Efficacy
• Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS)
• Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF)

MUSCULOSKELETAL CHALLENGES

• Lower extremity functional scales (LEFS)
• Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH)
• Measuring myofascial pain
• Trigger points
• Stiffness
• Muscle weakness

INTERVENTIONS FOR PAIN REDUCTION, MOBILITY PROMOTION AND FUNCTION

• Manual therapy
• Neuromuscular techniques
• Integrative medicine

IMPROVING MOBILITY, STRENGTH AND FUNCTION, AND REDUCING PAIN

• Myofascial release
• Positional release
• Joint mobilization
• Neuromuscular re-education

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HOLISTIC APPROACHES TO IMPROVE MOBILITY

• Address behavioral and cognitive issues
• Reduce pain in elders
• Mindfulness
• Massage
• Relaxation induction
• Craniosacral
• Reiki

CASE STUDIES AND GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING