Exercise Program for Deaf Seniors to Increase Their Balance and Fitness

Balance and Fitness Enhancement Program for Deaf Older Adults

Deaf older adults 60 years and older are enrolled into an 8-week exercise program delivered in American Sign Language. The class meets twice a week, with handout and video homework.

Outcome measures are self-reported balance confidence, lower extremity strength, walking and agility, and standing balance. In addition, attendance and keeping up with exercises at home will be tracked.

The intervention will be 8 weeks of 2 meetings/wk exercise class, delivered entirely in ASL.

Homework exercise will also be provided.

10-12 participants will be recruited for each of the 4 semesters of offerings.

Physical balance as well as balance confidence will be measured prior to and immediately after the 8-week intervention. In addition, balance confidence will be measured 6-months after the conclusion of the intervention period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Deaf
• Uses American Sign Language (ASL) fluently
• Community-dwelling
• Able to walk independently for at least 20 ft
• Willing to attend classes twice a week at Gallaudet University

Exclusion Criteria:

• Blindness
• Dementia
• Neurological conditions