As the population ages and the incidence
of acute and chronic illness increases, physical
activity interventions will provide better patient
care, outcomes, and quality of life. Safe, quality,
effective physical activity improves disease
prevention, recovery from acute illness, and
management of symptoms, medication side
effects, and chronic conditions.
Introducing the New Physical Activity
and Measurement Lab
Barbara Smith, PhD, RN, FACSM, FAAN,
associate dean for research, introduced
colleagues to the new Physical Activity and
Measurement Lab, which opened for use for
College researchers in the fall of 2013. Physical
activity impacts overall health. With that in
mind, the lab was designed to facilitate research
in cancer, gerontology, and obesity and
associated conditions, as well.
Measuring Gait and Balance
The instrumented walkway analyzes footfalls
and measures gait using a number of variables
including speed, line of progression, stride
length and width, step length and width, foot
placement, heel drag, and sequence of foot
contact, to name a few. Patients move along
the walkway in various ways to assess gait
and balance. The device can be calibrated for
people using assistive devices, such as a cane
The lab’s BioSway system provides both
balance testing and teaching modes for
patients. Standardized tests provide reports
that establish need, progress and outcomes.
Patients stand on a platform and perform
movements as directed by a touch-screen
display. Some movements are performed on
a hard surface, others on a soft foam surface;
some with the eyes open; others with the eyes
closed, which is usually more challenging.
The teaching mode uses interactive balance
games and other training strategies to challenge
patients and encourage proprioception and
motor control. Specific movement patterns
are designed to optimize vestibular training.
Monitoring Activity Levels
The lab is also equipped with actigraph
monitors. These small watch-sized instruments
log the wearer’s amount of physical activity,
giving researchers the opportunity to measure
physical activity and its relationship to a wide
range of chronic conditions.
Determining Body Composition
and Strength
The lab provides a variety of equipment
to undertake the complex assessment of
body composition. The scale and stadiometer
calculates BMI from height and weight
measurements because no single measure
accurately assesses body fat. Calipers are
available to measure skin fold thicknesses.
This rigorous process requires repeated
measurements at exactly the same location,
which are then applied to multiple formulas
depending on age, gender, race, and
other variables.
Hand dynamometers which test hand grip
strength provide a general assessment of
overall body strength. Readings are compared
to norms or to the patient’s past performance.
The test has its limitations, however, for those
patients with weaknesses or injuries in the
hand itself. It is anticipated that other strength
measuring equipment will be acquired.
Preparing for Nerve Conduction Testing
The lab will soon be equipped to test nerve
conduction. Dr. Denise Hershey has been
training with a neurologist at Sparrow Health
System to use this equipment. This testing
will offer researchers the opportunity to
work with people with peripheral neuropathy,
which is often associated with diabetes and
cancer chemotherapy.
Demonstrating At-Home Equipment Use
For patients participating in research projects,
the lab offers an opportunity to be trained in the
appropriate use of equipment to use at home.
Balance training equipment, therabands, hand
held weights, and other specialized equipment
is available for demonstration purposes.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY RESEARCH
The lab features highly sophisticated
equipment to perform measurements ranging
from body composition to gait, balance,
strength, and activity level. It will also be used
to demonstrate the appropriate use of at-home
equipment for patients in research studies.
or a four-point walker. The resulting assessment
metrics provide detailed information on human
performance, which inform physical activity
interventions that allow the individual to retain,
improve, or regain mobility.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURSING • NURSING.MSU.EDU
Exercise has been demonstrated to help
people control weight, reduce chronic health
conditions, improve mood, boost energy, and
reduce symptoms of stress. Even post surgery,
exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue and
improve physical function.
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