Seniors Count Their Steps
Seniors living in Larrabee Village, Westbrook, are participating in a study that will tell USM researchers if using pedometers as motivation for increased activity will lead to enhanced mobility and decreased risk of falls.
The study, funded by USM’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, is looking at two groups of volunteers, ages 68-95, who have multiple health problems and are assisted living residents. The experimental group was asked to increase the amount of time spent walking while wearing a pedometer, while the control group was told to simply wear the pedometer.
It is hoped that the experimental group will show, after four weeks of simply adding steps to their daily lives, improved movement and balance.
On Monday, July 22, researchers conducted post-testing exercises. In addition to filling out a questionnaire, seniors were timed as they walked three meters, got out of a chair, and as they took a balance test.
Karen Crouteau, assistant professor of sports medicine and the primary investigator, will be evaluating the results. She can be reached at 780-4653 or at kcrouteau@usm.maine.edu.
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