Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Shelby Sherman

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

The purpose of my doctoral capstone experience (DCE) was to create group fitness classes for older adults to address fall prevention and quality of life. While the primary focus of this DCE was program development, pre/post testing was administered to 11 participants who engaged in regular participation of the program over the course of 6 weeks. Overall, 100% of participants noticed improvements in both their fear of falling, and quality of life following the Fit for Life program. The exercise classes were multi-disciplinary and addressed balance, cardiovascular endurance, upper body strength, lower body strength and core training. Participants reported great satisfaction and changes in overall well-being and function following the classes. Fall prevention and quality of life are imperative for promoting lifelong independence and daily function, especially in our aging population. This project addresses sustainability, as the author wrote a manual for teaching the class for other staff members and recorded online classes for residents to view at their own leisure.

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