Research In-Progress
Heart Rate Variability Study
Principle Investigators: Dr. Rubin / Dr. Rose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate heart rate variability at rest and heart rate recovery response time following submaximal exercise (riding a bike) and to compare the responses between older adults who have been consistently engaged in a structured physical activity program and those who have not been involved in structured programs. A total of 40 older adults (ages 60 and over) of either gender are recruited to participate in this study. Participants will complete two visits.
Increasing Stability Through Evaluation and Practice (InSTEP)
Principle Investigators: Fall Prevention Center of Excellence
The Archstone Foundation has funded a multi-site fall prevention initiative, which involves the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence Consortium (University of Southern California Andrus Gerontology Center; Geriatric, Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, University of California Los Angeles; California State University at Fullerton Center for Successful Aging; and the California Department of Health Services). One part of the initiative involves the development of multi-factorial fall prevention projects, termed “InSTEP” (Increasing Stability Through Evaluation and Practice).
The InSTEP model programs incorporate the three key fall-prevention components (exercise, medical risk assessment, and home assessment) and a behavior-change discussion group to improve protocol adherence, program retention, and long-term involvement in fall-prevention activities. The purpose of the study is to analyze the relative effectiveness of six InSTEP model programs in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, which differ by intensity (high, medium, and low), and the added effectiveness of including a behavior-change discussion group. For each subject, participation in this study is expected to last one year. However, the evaluation project is scheduled to run from January 2007 through 2010.
