Biomedical subjects

S B O'Sullivan

Publications and source records attributed to S B O'Sullivan.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Balance and ankle range of motion in community-dwelling women aged 64 to 87 years: a correlational study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study investigated the relationship between balance measures and ankle range of motion (ROM) in community-dwelling elderly women with no health problems. Identification of modifiable factors associated with balance may enable clinicians to design treatments to help reduce the risk of falls in elderly people. SUBJECTS: The sample consisted of 34 women between the ages of 64 and 87 years (mean=74.7, SD=6.0). METHODS: Goniometry was used to determine bilateral ankle active-assistive range of motion (AAROM) and passive range of motion. Balance capabilities were measured with the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Balance data for the FRT, POMA balance subtest, POMA gait subtest, and POMA total score were correlated with ankle ROM using the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (PCC). RESULTS: Correlations between ROM and balance scores were found, ranging from.29 to.63. The POMA gait subtest and FRT resulted in higher correlations with ROM than did the POMA balance subtest (left total AAROM PCC=.63,.51, and.31). Correlations using composite ankle ROM scores were higher than individual motions. The strongest correlation existed between bilateral, total ankle AAROM and the POMA gait subtest scores (PCC=. 63) CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Correlations exist between ankle ROM and balance in community-dwelling elderly women. Additional research is needed to determine whether treatment directed at increasing ankle ROM can improve balance.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed1986

Functional independence in quadriplegia: critical levels.

The purpose of this study was to examine the self-care abilities of individuals with quadriplegia at two critical functional levels, once they resumed community living. Twenty-nine individuals with quadriplegia (17 with wrist extensors as the lowest functional muscle and 12 with triceps), were surveyed three months to four years after discharge, to determine self-care independence and change in ability since discharge in ten self-care areas. Personal care assistance, use of equipment, and present living situation also were surveyed. Results indicated that subjects with triceps as the lowest functioning muscle had significantly greater independence levels in self-care activities than those with wrist extensors. Changes in abilities from discharge to follow-up were noted for both groups, especially in the areas of bowel and bladder care, dressing, and mobility activities. Most subjects lived at home with their family and used personal care assistance to accomplish part of their self-care. Equipment use was decreased upon community living for both groups. It is concluded that the functioning of triceps is a significant determinant for functional independence in self-care tasks.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1984

Perceived exertion. A review.

Physical therapists are well aware of the physiological responses to exercise. The process by which these underlying mechanisms contribute to the perceptual response of perceived exertion is generally less familiar. The purpose of this article is to summarize briefly some of the current major concepts about perceived exertion and to indicate, where possible, the potential significance of these concepts for physical therapy.

Heart Rate↗