Discussion: Exercise & Special Populations For this Discussion Board you may cho
ID: 3479144 • Letter: D
Question
Discussion: Exercise & Special Populations
For this Discussion Board you may chose to respond to 1 of the following case studies. At the end of each case study is a Bold segment that outlines the key points that you need to address within your post. After posting your response, provide effective feedback to at least 1 of your classmates program design. (Effective feedback gives them things to consider, additional ideas, specific comments rather than a generic "good job")
Case Study #2: Aging Gracefully
Statistics show that:
More than 40% of people hospitalized from hip fractures do not return home and are not capable of living independently again;
25% of those who have fallen pass away each year;
On average, two older adults die from fall-related injuries every day in California.
Falls can result in hip fractures, head injuries or even death. In many cases, those who have experienced a fall have a hard time recovering and their overall health deteriorates.
In California alone, 1.3 million older adults experience an injury due to falling. A person is more likely to fall if s/he is age 80 or older or if s/he has previously fallen. About 30% of older people who fall lose their self-confidence and start to go out less often. Inactivity leads to social isolation and loss of muscle strength and balance, increasing the risk of falling. These changes are only compounded by changes in physical abilities such as vision, hearing, sensation, and balance. People who become fearful of falling may reduce their involvement in activities.
Margaret, a 72-year-old white female, was brought to the emergency room 3 months ago falling in her bathtub. She was previously in good health, despite leading a relatively sedentary lifestyle and having a 30-pack-year history of cigarette smoking. She fell upon entering the bathtub when her right leg slipped out from under her; she landed on her right hip. She did fracture her hip but the doctor has cleared her for activity and has encouraged her to find and exercise specialist who can help her regain strength and improve her balance.
With the information you have about Margaret’s history 1.) Design a program to address the new orders from the doctor, 2.) Provide explanation for the choices made regarding your program design, and 3.) Explain any follow up evaluation plans to monitor her progress.
Explanation / Answer
Exercise program for given case should include-
- Exercises to improve/ maintain bone density
- Exercises to improve balance to prevent falls.
- Exercises to improve posture.
Exercises included-
1. Strength training- it includes use of free weights or your own body weight to strengthen all major muscle groups specially spine muscles important for posture. Resistance training can also help maintain bone density.
2. Weight bearing aerobic activities- it involve doing aerobic exercises on your feet with bones supporting the weight, for example walking, dancing, stair climbing, gardening. These exercises work directly on bones to slow the mineral loss and also provide cardiovascular benefits.
3. Flexibility exercises- Moving joints through full range of motion helps maintaining joint range and muscle strength.
4. Stability and balance Exercises- fall prevention is very important so simple exercises such as standing on one leg or movement based exercises such as Tai Chi can improve the stability and balance.
Movements to avoid- Avoid jerky rapid movements and choose Exercises with slow and controlled movements.
- Bending and twisting movements.
- High impact Exercises.
Follow up plan includes regular assessment of strength, endurance, range of motion, posture, balance and coordination. And accordingly modify the exercise prescription program.
Lifestyle changes- Quit smoking.