Hydraulic Resistance and Older Adults

Implementation of a Community Based Exercise Program for Older Adults Using Hydraulic Resistance Equipment

The goal of this quasi-experimental study using a pre and post test design is to learn about the effect of participating in an exercise program with hydraulic exercise equipment on fall risk in the older adult population. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does the use of hydraulic exercise equipment decrease fall risk in older adults?
• Does the use of hydraulic exercise equipment improve function in older adults?

Participants will be evaluated pre and post intervention for strength, fall risk using Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment, Timed Up and Go, and functional ability using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Participants will engage in an exercise program using 5 different pieces of hydraulic exercise equipment (Frei FACTUM® novus II line) 2x/week for for 6 weeks for 30-45 minutes each session. The equipment uses concentric movements only and works agonist and antagonist muscles with each machine (IE: push and pull, both concentric).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy adults
• Age 60+

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <60
• Neurological condition
• Surgery within last 6 months
• Current injury
• Inability to follow directions
• Inability to participate in physical activity for any medical reason