Improving Balance and Mobility

Multimodality Balance Intervention (MMBI): Our MMBI will be held 3-times a week for an hour and will consist of a group dynamic balance class (30 minutes), a supervised obstacle course (10 minutes), and lower extremity and core strengthening (20 minutes). The group exercise classes will focus on dynamic weight shifts with an emphasis on the lateral and diagonal directions. Over the 6 months of class, the exercises will gradually increase in difficulty to challenge balance. A skilled instructor will lead each class and 1-2 assistants will be present to assist with fall risk prevention. The supervised obstacle course will focus on obstacle negotiation, gait over challenging surfaces, and moving in lateral, diagonal, and backward directions. Finally, strength training of the lower extremities and core will focus on strengthening major muscles of the lower extremity and core utilizing commonly available gym equipment, ankle weights and body weight.

Tai Chi Intervention: The supervised Tai Chi class will be held 3-times a week for one hour. All Tai Chi classes will be taught in a group setting by an experienced instructor. The emphasis during the class will be on standing movements, body alignment, weight shift and changes of direction. Movements will be adapted as the class progresses to increase the difficulty of weight shift and change in direction over time so that participants balance is continually challenged throughout the 6 months. Chairs or hand rails will be available for the participants to use as needed for balance recovery.