Ali Boolani

Impact of cognitive fatigue on gait and sway among older adults: A literature review

Cognitive fatigue is an alteration in central nervous system (CNS) processing due to prolonged performance of mentally demanding tasks. Decreased gait speed and increased stride length variability have been noted in cognitively fatigued older adults (≥ 65 years). Further, cognitive fatigue may weaken the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems of the CNS, contributing to increased postural sway. Detriments in gait and sway caused by cognitive fatigue could increase fall risk. The objective of this literature review was to evaluate the impact of cognitive fatigue on changes in gait and postural sway and its role in fall risk.

Programs and Place: Risk and Asset Mapping for Fall Prevention

Identifying ways to measure access, availability, and utilization of health-care services, relative to at-risk areas or populations, is critical in providing practical and actionable information to key stakeholders. This study identified the prevalence and geospatial distribution of fall-related emergency medical services (EMS) calls in relation to the delivery of an evidence-based fall prevention program in Tarrant County, Texas over a 3-year time period. It aims to educate public health professionals and EMS first respondents about the application of geographic information system programs to identify risk-related “hot spots,” service gaps, and community assets to reduce falls among older adults. On average, 96.09 (±108.65) calls were received per ZIP Code (ranging from 0 calls to 386 calls). On average, EMS calls per ZIP Code increased from 30.80 (±34.70) calls in 2009 to 33.75 (±39.58) calls in 2011, which indicate a modest annual call increase over the 3-year study period. The percent of ZIP Codes offering A Matter of Balance/Volunteer Lay Leader Model (AMOB/VLL) workshops increased from 27.3% in 2009 to 34.5% in 2011. On average, AMOB/VLL workshops were offered in ZIP Codes with more fall-related EMS calls over the 3-year study period. Findings suggest that the study community was providing evidence-based fall prevention programming (AMOB/VLL workshops) in higher-risk areas. Opportunities for strategic service expansion were revealed through the identification of fall-related hot spots and asset mapping.

The Influence of Musical Genres on Putting Accuracy in Golf: An Exploratory Study

The Influence of Musical Genres on Putting Accuracy in Golf: An Exploratory Study It is well documented that music can positively impact athletic performance with faster tempo music generally leading to improved outcomes. However, the benefit of music in fine motor control situations is relatively unknown. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether golf putting accuracy could be improved by listening to music and various musical genres. Participants were 22 (8 male, 14 female) university Division 1 golfers of average age 20.3 years and all with a minimum of 8 years of golf experience. Each participant completed a series of 6 trials which comprised of attempting 5 putts at 4 pre-designated locations around a hole. In a randomized order, participants were required to listen to no music or classical, country, rock, jazz, and hip hop/rap music while putting. A one-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference between no music compared to jazz (F(6,15) = 14.47, p = 0.001), hip hop/rap (F(6,15) = 4.55, p = 0.008), classical (F(6,15) = 4.33, p = 0.01), and country (F(6,15) = 2.82, p = 0.048). Rock music was not significant but approached significance (F(6,15) = 2.67, p = 0.058). A second one-way ANOVA compared musical genres to each other, and participants were found to perform significantly better while listening to jazz as opposed to any other musical genre (F(1,20) = 5.04, p = 0.036).