Balance Training for Elders With Heart Failure

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older (≥ 65 y/) community dwelling heart failure (HF) patients. Fall risks are even greater for those with HF due to decreased exercise capacity, loss of skeletal muscle \& medication side effects. Though resistance training (RT) is effective for improving skeletal muscle, it has only a modest effect on improving balance, which is comprised of peripheral sensory input central integration, \& motor output. A multi-component intervention focusing on balance retraining \& strengthening the muscles supporting static/dynamic balance \& functional mobility is necessary. This pilot study will evaluate the effect of a multi-component balance \& RT intervention on physical function, balance, \& falls in older (≥ 65 y/) community dwelling heart failure (HF) patients. The study will also explore perceptions related to outcomes \& the intervention through focus groups, generate data on adherence and generate data on feasibility of conducting the BASIC Training intervention. The results of this study will be used to develop a targeted intervention to induce changes in elderly HF patients to prevent future falls; thus reducing costs, physical \& emotional burdens related to falls; \& effect a major difference in the quality of life. The study will be once per week supervised group sessions \& twice a week home sessions, and include 30 Second Sit-to-Stand, Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, Activity Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Timed Up \& Go, Dynamic Gait Index.