Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Oral Presentation/Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Ranelle Nissen

Keywords

Bungee fitness; Older adults; Fall prevention

Subject Categories

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how occupational therapy led fall prevention interventions can enhance safety, independence, and quality of life for community dwelling older adults. An 8-week fall prevention program consisting of 2 bungee fitness classes and 1 fall prevention education session per week was developed and implemented in a rural community. Eleven older adults aged 66-86 participated in the program. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention on balance, lower extremity strength, functional mobility, and occupational performance. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, 30 Second Chair Stand Test, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.

Positive changes in average scores were observed across all outcome measures following the intervention. Paired samples t-test analysis indicated statistically significant improvements across all outcome measures from pre- to post-assessment. Participant feedback further suggests that bungee fitness provides a safe and supportive environment that significantly reduces the fear of falling and enables participation in exercise. Results suggest that bungee fitness may be an effective intervention to improve balance, strength, endurance, and functional mobility in older adults. Findings also highlight the importance of occupational therapy in health promotion and prevention for community dwelling older adults, as well as the value of combining physical intervention with general education to improve both physical outcomes and perceived confidence in daily occupations. Additional research is needed to evaluate bungee-supported exercise within occupational therapy across diverse populations to strengthen the evidence base and improve generalizability.

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