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Can An Innovative Physical Therapy Program Enhance Mobility in Middle-Aged and Older Veterans With Slow Walking
Jonathan F Bean1, Rebekah Harris2, Elisa Ogawa2
1New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of PM&R, Spaulding Rehabilitation, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA.
The Live Long Walk Strong (LLWS) physical therapy program significantly improved walking speed and mobility in older Veterans. This innovative intervention offers a promising approach to enhance functional independence in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Mobility decline is a significant issue for middle-aged and older Veterans.
- Physical therapy interventions can potentially mitigate mobility loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the Live Long Walk Strong (LLWS) program.
- To assess LLWS's impact on mobility and related functional outcomes in Veterans with slow walking speed.
Main Methods:
- A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- Participants were community-dwelling middle-aged and older Veterans with slow walking speed.
- The LLWS program (8 weeks) was compared against a waitlist control group.
Main Results:
- A 25% dropout rate was observed, partly due to COVID-19 disruptions.
- LLWS participants showed significantly faster walking speed (p<.05) and improved Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Activity Measure for Post Acute Care (AM-PAC) scores.
- Leg power and self-efficacy also significantly improved in the LLWS group.
Conclusions:
- The LLWS program demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in mobility for older Veterans.
- Further research will explore long-term outcomes and specific targeted attributes.
- LLWS represents a viable physical therapy strategy for enhancing mobility in at-risk Veteran populations.
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