The present study highlights the effects of the dual-task cognitive-gait intervention (CGI) on working memory and gait functions in older adults with a history of falls. Thirteen older adults with a history of falls were recruited from local community centers and randomly stratified into either the control (n = 5) or experimental (n = 8) group. The experimental group received the dual-task cognitive-motor intervention involving simultaneous motor (walking) and cognitive (memory recall) task whereas the control group received a placebo treatment (walking with simple music). The intervention was provided 30 minutes per session, over a 6-week period. Memory measures included a combination of word recall and arithmetic task. Gait function measures included velocity and center of pressure (COP) stability. Non-parametric tests were used at p < 0.05. The experimental group showed a greater memory performance than the control (p < 0.05). However, no significant intervention-related changes in gait velocity and stability were observed. Our findings provide the first evidence in literature to demonstrate that the long-term dual-task cognitive-motor intervention improved memory of older adults with a history of falls under the dual cognitive motor task condition.

Vertical jump is used commonly as a measure of leg power for evaluation prior to participation in sports activities (RK Gray, KB Start, DJ Glencross, Res Q 33:230-235, 1962; DO Klotz, Doctoral dissertation, University of Iowa, 1948). Unless vertical jump meets the definition of mechanical leg power, it should not be used as a measure of leg power. Measurement of leg power in a vertical jump should not be started with a countermovement of the arms prior to jumping. The purpose of this research was to investigate the kinetic and kinematic contributions of arm movement to the vertical jump. Eighteen subjects performed three vertical jumps on a force platform with arm movement and three jumps without arm movement. The contribution of arm movement to maximum force, work done, power, and the release velocity was found as 6, 14, 15, and 6%, respectively, for this population. The contribution of the arm action to reduce the impact force was 12%. The contribution of arm movement to vertical jump maximum force in this study was less than reported in previous studies. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1989;11(5):198-201.

Leg power is an essential component for success in sports and athletic performance. Therefore, the leg power measurement may help athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and rehabilitation specialists in selecting, treating, and training athletes for a specific sport. Using a conventional 'jump and reach' test, one can accurately predict the leg power and success in anaerobic-type sports. Nineteen untrained male subjects performed 'jump and reach' vertical jumps on a force platform. Power values were calculated from the force versus time data obtained from the force platform. A regression equation was obtained to predict the power values using the weight of an individual and the 'jump and reach' height as independent variables. The regression equation is given by p = -666.3 + 14.74 [Mass (kg)] + 1925.72 [Height (m)]; [R-square = 0.69, p < 0.05].

No abstract

Physical therapists provide care via direct access in many states. Greater perceived competence with direct access among graduating physical therapists is critical. The purpose of this study was to assess student physical therapists' perceived competence with direct access.A survey instrument was created to determine levels of perceived competence at three phases of the physical therapy curriculum. The Friedman two-way ANOVA by ranks was used to assess differences between year one, year two, and year three responses for each individual survey question and the overall survey score.Total survey score demonstrated significant increased student perceived competence with direct access to physical therapy care direct access from year one total to year two (p = .018), year one to year three (p = .005), and year two to year three (p = .016).More favorable attitudes among graduating physical therapists may have an influence on primary care for musculoskeletal conditions.