CORE Posters Fall 2025

Musculoskeletal Health and Social Participation: An Osteopathic Perspective on Healthy Aging; A Two-Phase Qualitative-Quantitative Analysis Donald L. 1 , Emdad T. 1 , Hass N. 1 , Kumar E . 1 , Martinez J. 1 , Martinez N. 1 , Welch J. 1 , Williams L. 1 , Harrah K . 2 ,Nicholson J. 3 , Kadio B. 3 1. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine 2. Warm Hearth Village 3. Department of Preventive Medicine, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Team D

Abstract

Results

Conclusions

• Physical activity plays a crucial role in promoting healthy aging as it serves to mitigate age-related diseases and improves overall well being. • This study aims to examine musculoskeletal health and social participation while assessing the impact of exercise classes on balance, social connections, and overall quality of life among Warm Hearth participants. • A two-phase study: Phase I was conducted following the Level 1 and Level 2 Posture, Balance, and Gait classes, which averaged approximately 15 and 23 – 27 participants, respectively. Phase II will comprise of data collection via surveys, offered to the participants to further understand their own perception of how community based physical activity benefits their health, mobility, and emotional well being. Phase I results demonstrated improvements in both balance and perceived quality of life. • In conclusion, this study discuses and contributes to the conversation of healthy aging by highlighting the significance of physical activity and community engagement as critical tools for promoting well-being in older adults. Phase I: Observational Study • Investigators attended Level 1 and Level 2 Posture, Balance, and Gait exercise classes at Warm Hearth Village to observe exercises and activities performed. • Participants were observed completing balance exercises while engaging in a community-based setting. Phase II: Quantitative Analysis • Approximately 16-18 participants aged 65 and older will be recruited from the level 1 posture, balance, and gait classes at Warm Hearth Village. • Each participant's balance will be measured using the Berg Balance Scale. • Participants will complete two surveys, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale to measure perceived balance confidence and the Older Person’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL -35) to assess perceived quality of life. • Participants will attend a Warm Hearth Level 1 Posture, Balance, and Gait exercise class once a week for six weeks. • After the six week of classes, Participants balance with be reassessed and they will retake both surveys to measure any perceived changes in balance confidence and life satisfaction over the course of the research period. Introduction or Methods

Demographics Warm Hearth is a rural based organization in Blacksburg Virginia, serving the elderly of diverse socioeconomic demographics. Classes are offered to adults aged 65 years and older seeking to improve their gait and balance.

Phase I: Observational Study • Observation of the class revealed that it contributed to healthy aging by blending physical activity, social engagement, and emotional well being • Residents demonstrated improvements in balance to be independent in their homes for longer. • The class also afforded them the opportunity to engage in meaningful social connections. • The uplifting environment saw aging as something to celebrate by supporting residents' mental, physical, and emotional well-being • This phase of the study reinforced the value of movement and social engagement at every age, especially in older individuals. Phase II: Quantitative Analysis • Measure quality of life with the OPQOL, confidence in balance with the ABC Scale, and balance performance with the Berg Balance Scale. • This will provide more evidence on how effective group fitness classes are for older adults. • It will show quantitatively that group classes can improve both physical health and quality of life.

Why these classes are important:

• Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in adults ≥65, affecting ~1 in 4 each year. 4 • Consequences are severe: hip fractures, traumatic brain injury, loss of independence, and a doubled risk of premature death. 1 • Economic burden is enormous, exceeding $50 billion annually in U.S. healthcare costs. 2 • Balance and strength training programs reduce fall risk by up to 40%, making prevention highly effective and evidence-based. 3

Figure 1. Distribution of injury-related deaths in the United States, 2012 – 2013 5

Observations "Volunteering for the posture and balance class was a positive experience...Several residents mentioned improvements in their balance since starting the course and how they enjoyed the company...." "The physical activity (of the Warm Hearth exercise classes) greatly benefits the residents, helping them to stay fit and exert themselves to not lose functionality in activities of daily living, such as balance and stamina." Participation in the six-week posture and balance program is expected to yield measurable improvements in physical function and psychosocial health among older adults. Preliminary Phase I findings demonstrated visible improvements in balance and engagement throughout the Posture, Balance, and Gait classes. Based on these findings, Phase II is expected to yield measurable gains across both objective and subjective outcomes: • Balance Performance: Post-intervention Berg Balance Scale scores are expected to show statistically significant improvements, indicating enhanced postural stability and reduced fall risk. • Balance Confidence: Gains are anticipated on the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, reflecting increased confidence in mobility. • Quality of Life: Participants are expected to report higher Older Person's Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35) scores, with the greatest improvements in physical health, social participation, and psychological well-being.

References

1. Florence CS, Bergen G, Atherly A, Burns E, Stevens J, Drake C. Medical costs of fatal and nonfatal falls in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2018;66(4):693-698. doi:10.1111/jgs.15304 2. Burns ER, Stevens JA, Lee R. The direct costs of fatal and non-fatal falls among older adults — United States. J Safety Res. 2016;58:99-103. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2016.05.001 3. Sherrington C, Fairhall NJ, Wallbank GK, et al. Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;1(1):CD012424. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012424.pub2 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Important Facts about Falls. Updated 2024. Accessed September 14, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html 5. Chittrakul, J., Siviroj, P., Sungkarat, S., & Sapbamrer, R. (2020). Multi-System Physical Exercise Intervention for Fall Prevention and Quality of Life in Pre-Frail Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International journal of environmental research and public health , 17 (9), 3102. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093102

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the VCOM IRB for their work with us throughout this process. We would like to thank Mr. Kenny Harrah and the Warm Hearth Retirement Community for their advice and participation. We would like to thank Ms. Jessica Nicholson and Dr. Bernard Kadio for their work with us and this presentation.