First Advisor

Smith, Jeremy

Second Advisor

Hayward, Reid

Degree Name

Master of Science

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

8-2017

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Kinesiology Nutrition and Dietetics, KiND Student Work

Embargo Date

1-2017

Abstract

Cancer is very prevalent in the United States and many people who live with cancer are older adults. Cancer and cancer treatments can be very difficult on the body causing many symptoms that can increase the survivor’s risk of falling. Risk of falling can be even greater when people are required to negotiate obstacles such as curbs or stairs. Research has shown that exercise can reduce symptoms of cancer and cancer treatments and potentially decrease risk of falling. Fourteen cancer survivors, recruited from University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute, completed a pre assessment session followed by a gait assessment while negotiating a curb in a laboratory setting. Walking speed was not significantly different between pre- and post-test sessions. In both the GROUND and CURB legs, toe clearance decreased significantly. Changes in angular velocity were observed post training. Peak plantar flexor moments of both legs also increased post training. There was a significant increase in knee flexion moment for both legs as well as an increased extensor moment for the CURB leg. Changes in hip extensor moments were observed in both legs. Power increased in all three joints in both legs. Positive work increased in both legs at the knee and hip and just in the CURB leg at the ankle, total work increased in the CURB leg at all three joints. The change in power output in the ankle joint could potentially decrease the risk of falling which may potentially improve the quality of life of cancer survivors.

Extent

58 pages

Local Identifiers

FraijoThesis2017

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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