Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Abstract

The suggestion that functional mobility and balance can be improved with targeted physical activity interventions for individuals to maintain efficient movement patterns and independence throughout the life span is the cause for many current lines of research. Understanding how muscle activation contributes to efficient movement patterns is coupled with the need to use assessment tools that can measure functional mobility and balance in an individual over time; however, the need for effective exercise intervention programs designed to improve functional mobility and balance persists throughout current research literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate how TRX® Suspension Training impacted the functional mobility and balance of college-age adults. Undergraduate and graduate students (n = 12; 20.3 ± 1.5 years) participated in a six-week TRX® Suspension Training program. Functional mobility and balance were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Functional Movement System (FMS) and the Y Balance Test (YBT). Eleven participants completed the study. A significant difference was found for the FMS composite scores as well as in the left YBT (p = 0.02) and right YBT (p = 0.01) composite scores pre- to post-intervention. Significant differences were found in the individual FMS test for left shoulder mobility (p = 0.034) and in the following directional YBTs: left posteromedial (p = 0.036), right posteromedial (p = 0.050), left posterolateral (p = 0.014), and right posterolateral (p = 0.050). While the benefits of TRX® Suspension Training intervention shows promise in improving functional mobility and balance in these college age adults, more research in other populations such as older adults and in various settings such as rehabilitation and sports performance could be useful in determining the degree of change that TRX® Suspension Training can provide for functional mobility and balance improvements.

Advisor

Dr. Jessica E. Kiss

Second Reader

Dr. Lynn A. Darby

Semester

Spring

Year

2020

Degree

M.Ed.

Program

Kinesiology

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