There are differences in conformation of LAA surrounding structures with variable healing response between WM and ACP after LAA closure in the canine model. WM does not obstruct or impact the LAA adjacent structures, resulting in a favorable surface recovery. In comparison, the disk of ACP could potentially jeopardize LAA neighboring structures and leads to delayed healing.

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Objective:To determine the effectiveness of 8-week group functional balance training classes on balance outcomes in community-dwelling veterans at risk for falls.Design:Pre-test, post-test using retrospective data.Setting:VISN 8 Patient Safety Center at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, FL, USA.Participants:Fifty one community living veterans with mean age of 78 at risk for falls.Intervention:Participants received a weekly 1-hour functional balance training class for 8 weeks in a small group setting (4–5 participants).Measurements:Pre and post intervention measures included Berg Balance Scale, Limits of Stability (LOS) and modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB).Results:Eighty four percent of the participants completed 5 or more weekly classes. Peripheral neuropathy was the most common risk factor among the participants. There was a significant improvement in the Berg (p < 0.0001) and Composite Reaction Time (p < 0.0004) after the intervention.Conclusion:An eight week group functional balance training class was safe and effective in improving balance outcomes in a cohort of elderly veterans at risk for falls.

These results support previous clinical understanding of wanderers to be those who are more likely to exhibit more-severe cognitive impairment. Based on a statistical model with variables generated from prior research findings, classification as a wanderer was found to be associated with other disruptive activity such as socially inappropriate behavior and resisting care. Two understudied populations of wanderers were documented: wheelchair wanderers and those with comorbid dementia and psychiatric diagnoses. Future longitudinal studies should examine predictors of wandering behavior, and further research should explore the understudied subpopulations of wheelchair and dual-diagnosis wanderers who emerged in this study.