Overview
Deaf older adults 60 years and older are enrolled into an 8-week exercise program delivered in American Sign Language. The class meets twice a week, with handout and video homework.
Outcome measures are self-reported balance confidence, lower extremity strength, walking and agility, and standing balance. In addition, attendance and keeping up with exercises at home will be tracked.
Description
The intervention will be 8 weeks of 2 meetings/wk exercise class, delivered entirely in ASL.
Homework exercise will also be provided.
10-12 participants will be recruited for each of the 4 semesters of offerings.
Physical balance as well as balance confidence will be measured prior to and immediately after the 8-week intervention. In addition, balance confidence will be measured 6-months after the conclusion of the intervention period.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Deaf
- Uses American Sign Language (ASL) fluently
- Community-dwelling
- Able to walk independently for at least 20 ft
- Willing to attend classes twice a week at Gallaudet University
Exclusion Criteria:
- Blindness
- Dementia
- Neurological conditions