Prepandemic Feasibility of Tele-Exercise as an Alternative Delivery Mode for an Evidence-Based, Tai Ji Quan Fall-Prevention Intervention for Older Adults.

There is a critical need for fall-prevention interventions to reach medically underserved, hard-to-reach, rural older adults. The evidence-based Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program reduces falls in older adults. This pre-COVID-19 pandemic study assessed the feasibility and impact of a 16-week tele-TJQMBB intervention in older adults. Instructors led six tele-TJQMBB classes via Zoom for 52 older adults (mean age ± SD 68.5 ± 7.7 years) at one academic and four community sites. Nearly all (97%) planned sessions were delivered. Average attendance was 61%. There were no adverse events. Fidelity was fair to good (mean 67%). Forty-one percent of sessions experienced technical disruptions. Participants improved their gait speed, balance, lower-extremity strength, and body mass index. Tele-TJQMBB was feasible with a positive impact on outcomes. This study was the first step toward establishing an additional delivery mode that could potentially expand TJQMBB's reach and maintenance.

Effectiveness and Implementation of an Enhance®Fitness Physical Activity Intervention Specifically in Adults with Arthritis: A RE-AIM Evaluation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the evidence-based, Enhance®Fitness (EF) physical activity (PA) intervention in improving arthritis symptoms, physical and mental function, and PA in adults with arthritis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a community-based, randomized, controlled effectiveness trial that switched to a non-randomized controlled trial. Participants were sedentary/low-active adults, aged ≥ 18 years, with self-reported physician-diagnosed arthritis, who were assigned to an immediate (IG) or delayed group (DG) (12-week, wait-list control group). Classes were held thrice weekly for 12 weeks at 17 community sites in four urban and five rural West Virginia counties. Data were collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. The RE-AIM Framework evaluated EF's: 1) reach (enrollment); 2) effectiveness (outcomes); 3) adoption (proportion of sites/instructors that delivered EF); 4) implementation (attendance, fidelity, adverse events, satisfaction); and 5) maintenance (EF continuation). Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression. RESULTS: There were 323 adults with a mean age of 68.3 years (range 27-95). Reach was 74%; site and instructor adoption rates were 100% and 55%, respectively; attendance (1.8 sessions per week) and fidelity were good; injury rate was low (3.8%); participants were highly satisfied and experienced improvements in arthritis symptoms and physical function; and 27% of instructors and 18% of sites continued EF. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Enhance®Fitness was safe and effective in improving arthritis symptoms and physical function in sedentary/low-active adults with arthritis, across the adult age spectrum, under real-world conditions, in both urban and rural communities.

Understanding Libraries as Part of the Rural Active Living Environment: Evidence From a Content Analysis of Library Facebook Posts Made in Summer 2022.

As both public health and public libraries continue to evolve, there are opportunities for collaboration focused on building policies, systems, and environments that support communities making healthy choices easy choices. Given the health disparities related to physical inactivity, such as diabetes and heart disease in rural America, public libraries within rural communities are emerging as important settings for health promotion and disease prevention. This study sought to better understand how rural libraries promote physical activity opportunities on Facebook. Based on a content analysis of Facebook posts of a random sample of 118 libraries made during the Summer of 2022, 47 of the 118 had at least one post related to physical activity and 42 had multiple posts. The most frequent offering was events or classes; libraries also supported physical activity by lending equipment and making changes to the built environment. This study provides evidence that some rural libraries are offering physical activity opportunities through community health partnerships, particularly for youth and families. Considering this evidence, public health professionals are encouraged to collaborate with local libraries to promote physical activity and advance rural health equity. Researchers are invited to continue to develop the evidence base around promoting physical activity with rural libraries.

Falls and Fall-Related Injuries in an Evidence-Based Tai Ji Quan Intervention in Rural West Virginia Churches.

Background: This paper identifies the independent predictors of falls in an implementation study of Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® (TJQMBB) in older adults in rural West Virginia churches. Methods: Falls and injuries were identified via calendars, questionnaire, and verbal reports. Results: Fall predictors were gait speed (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.08, 0.90); low back pain (OR 8.04; 95% CI 1.71, 37.79); and pain, stiffness, or swelling limiting activity (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.09, 5.45). Conclusions: Determining differences between fallers and non-fallers may identify people with different fall risk profiles and ultimately better tailor fall-prevention programming to individual needs.

Developing online fall prevention program: Older adult recommendations.

Falls are a critical public health problem for older adults making expanded access of evidence-based fall prevention programs to this population a priority. Online delivery could improve the reach of these needed programs, however associated benefits and challenges remain poorly explored. This focus group study was undertaken to gather older adults' perceptions regarding the transition of face-to-face fall prevention programs to online formats. Content analysis was used to identify their opinions and suggestions. Older adults had concerns related to technology, engagement, and interaction with peers that they valued during face-to-face programs. They provided suggestions they felt would improve the success of online fall prevention programs, especially including synchronous sessions and getting input during program development from older adults.

Implementation of an Evidence-Based, Tai Ji Quan Fall Prevention Program in Rural West Virginia Churches: A RE-AIM Evaluation.

This study implemented a 16-week Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® intervention for older adults in churches in hard-to-reach, medically underserved, rural communities, and evaluated the process using the RE-AIM Framework. Community-dwelling adults, aged 55 years, or older, were eligible. Data (N = 237) were collected at baseline, 16 weeks, and 32 weeks on falls efficacy, depression, physical/mental health-related quality of life, aerobic activity, gait speed, mobility, balance, and leg strength. Generalized/linear mixed models determined if outcomes improved. Eighteen churches sponsored 16 classes. Church adoption was 94%, instructor adoption was 86%, reach was 90%, and fidelity was good/fair. All outcomes improved except physical health-related quality of life and gait speed. Thirty-six percent of participants, 28% of churches, and 37% of instructors continued Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance at 32 weeks. Compared with two prior RE-AIM evaluations, adoption and reach rates, improvements in outcomes, and satisfaction were comparable; attendance, program completion, and continuation rates were lower.

Adaptation of an evidence-based, fall-prevention, Tai Ji Quan exercise program for adults with traumatic brain injury: focus group results.

INTRODUCTION: Fall risk is increased in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). PURPOSE: This study adapted an evidence-based fall-prevention program Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) for adults with TBI and convened an online focus group with the target population for input on its delivery, content/safety, and potential benefits. METHODS: Fall prevention and TBI experts adapted TJQMBB. Eight adults with TBI were recruited. Participants watched demonstrations of the adapted TJQMBB exercises online over ZOOM©. Themes, subthemes, and participant quotes were extracted. RESULTS: Five women (71%) and 2 men (29%) participated with a mean age of 45 years. Nine themes and 5 subthemes were identified. Participants recommended a learning sequence of exercise demonstration with verbal directions and visual cues, followed by simple written instructions. Participants identified physical and cognitive barriers to participation and recognized that possible balance loss during exercise was a safety issue. Potential benefits included improved balance, navigation of challenging terrain, quality of life, and social inclusion. CONCLUSION: Participants viewed the adapted program as safe and appropriate, given modifications for physical (e.g. balance) and cognitive impairments. The TJQMBB program may be underutilized in this population due to the complexity of the exercises, but is possible with modifications.

A Scoping Review of Physical Performance Outcome Measures Used in Exercise Interventions for Older Adults With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is growing evidence that exercise interventions can mitigate functional decline and reduce fall risk in older adults with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). Although physical performance outcome measures have been successfully used in older adults without cognitive impairment, additional research is needed regarding their use with individuals who have ADRD, and who may have difficulty following instructions regarding performance of these measures. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify commonly used physical performance outcome measures, for exercise interventions, that are responsive and reliable in older adults with ADRD. Ultimately, we aimed to provide recommendations regarding the use of outcome measures for individuals with ADRD across several domains of physical performance. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to broadly assess physical performance outcome measures used in exercise interventions for older adults with ADRD. Exercise intervention studies that included at least 1 measure of physical performance were included. All physical performance outcome measures were abstracted, coded, and categorized into 5 domains of physical performance: fitness, functional mobility, gait, balance, and strength. Criteria for recommendations were based on (1) the frequency of use, (2) responsiveness, and (3) reliability. Frequency was determined by the number of studies that used the outcome measure per physical performance domain. Responsiveness was assessed via calculated effect size of the outcome measures across studies within physical performance domains. Reliability was evaluated via published studies of psychometric properties. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 20 physical performance outcome measures were extracted from 48 articles that met study inclusion criteria. The most frequently used outcome measures were the 6-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go, repeated chair stand tests, short-distance gait speed, the Berg Balance Scale, and isometric strength measures. These outcome measures demonstrated a small, medium, or large effect in at least 50% of the exercise intervention studies. Good to excellent reliability was reported in samples of older adults with mild to moderate dementia. Fitness, functional mobility, gait, balance, and strength represent important domains of physical performance for older adults. The 6-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go, repeated chair stand tests, short-distance gait speed, Berg Balance Scale, and isometric strength are recommended as commonly used and reliable physical performance outcome measures for exercise interventions in older adults with mild to moderate ADRD. Further research is needed on optimal measures for individuals with severe ADRD. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review will aid clinicians and researchers in selecting reliable measures to evaluate physical performance outcomes in response to exercise interventions in older adults with ADRD.

The Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Survey (CHAPS): Validity testing and characteristics of a rural population with pain.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about patterns and correlates of Complementary Health Approaches (CHAs) in chronic pain populations, particularly in rural, underserved communities. This article details the development and implementation of a new survey instrument designed to address this gap, the Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Survey (CHAPS). DESIGN: Following pilot-testing using pre-specified criteria to assess quality and comprehension in our target population, and after feedback regarding face-validity from content experts and stakeholders, the final cross-sectional self-report survey required 10-12 minutes to complete. It contained 69 demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors, and utilized a Transtheoretical Model (TTM) underpinning to assess short- and long-term use of 12 CHAs for pain management. Twenty additional items on pain severity, feelings, clinical outcomes, and activities were assessed using the Short-Form Global Pain Scale (SF-GPS); Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. SETTINGS/LOCATION: Investigators conducted consecutive sampling in four West Virginia pain management and rheumatology practices. PARTICIPANTS: 301 Appalachian adult patients seeking conventional care for pain management. RESULTS: Response rates were high (88% ± 4.1%). High quality and comprehension deemed the CHAPS an appropriate measurement tool in a rural population with pain. Missing data were unrelated to patient characteristics. Participants predominantly experienced chronic pain (93%), had five or more health conditions (56%, Mean = 5.4±3.1), were white (92%), female (57%), and middle-aged (Mean = 55.6 (SD = 13.6) years). Over 40% were disabled (43%) and/or obese (44%, Mean BMI = 33.4±31.5). Additionally, 44% used opioids, 31% used other prescription medications, and 66% used at least one CHA for pain, with 48% using CHAs for greater than 6 months. There was high internal reliability of the SF-GPS (alpha = .93) and satisfactory internal reliability for each of the five TTM stages across (all) twelve CHAs: precontemplation (0.89), contemplation (0.72), preparation (0.75), action (0.70), and maintenance (0.70). CONCLUSIONS: The CHAPS is the first comprehensive measurement tool to assess CHA use specifically for pain management. Ease of administration in a population with pain support further use in population- and clinic-based studies in similar populations.

Building Community: Stakeholder Perspectives on Walking in Malls and Other Venues.

Mall walking has been a popular physical activity for decades. However, little is known about why mall managers support these programs or why adults choose to walk. Our study aim was to describe mall walking programs from the perspectives of walkers, managers, and leaders. Twenty-eight walkers, 16 walking program managers, and six walking program leaders from five states participated in a telephone or in-person semi-structured interview (N = 50). Interview guides were developed using a social-ecological model. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. All informants indicated satisfaction with their program and environmental features. Differences in expectations were noted in that walkers wanted a safe, clean, and social place whereas managers and leaders felt a need to provide programmatic features. Given the favorable walking environments in malls, there is an opportunity for public health professionals, health care organizations, and providers of aging services to partner with malls to promote walking.

An Evaluability Assessment of the West Virginia Physical Activity Plan, 2015: Lessons Learned for Other State Physical Activity Plans.

BACKGROUND: The US National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) was released in 2009 as a national strategic plan to increase physical activity (PA). The NPAP emphasized implementing state and local PA programs. Dissemination of information about NPAP has been limited, however. COMMUNITY CONTEXT: West Virginia is a predominantly rural state with high rates of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity. In 2015 an evaluability assessment (EA) of the West Virginia Physical Activity Plan (WVPAP) was conducted, and community stakeholders were invited to participate in updating the plan. METHODS: A good EA seeks stakeholder input, assists in identifying program areas that need improvement, and ensures that a full evaluation will produce useful information. Data for this EA were collected via national stakeholder interviews, document reviews, discussions among workgroups consisting of state and local stakeholders, and surveys to determine how well the WVPAP had been implemented. OUTCOME: The EA highlighted the need for WVPAP leaders to 1) establish a specific entity to implement local PA plans, 2) create sector-specific logic models to simplify the WVPAP for local stakeholders, 3) evaluate the PA plan's implementation frequently from the outset, 4) use quick and efficient engagement techniques with stakeholders when working with them to select strategies, tactics, and measurable outcomes, and 5) understand the elements necessary to implement, manage, and evaluate a good PA plan. INTERPRETATION: An EA process is recommended for other leaders of PA plans. Our project highlights the stakeholders' desire to simplify the WVPAP so that it can be set up as a locally driven process that engages communities in implementation.

Adoption of a Tai Chi Intervention, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, for Fall Prevention by Rural Faith-Based Organizations, 2013-2014.

BACKGROUND: Translating evidence-based, community-delivered, fall-prevention exercise programs into new settings is a public health priority. COMMUNITY CONTEXT: Older adults (aged ≥65 y) are at high risk for falls. We conducted a community engagement project in West Virginia to evaluate the adoption of a tai chi exercise program, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, by rural faith-based organizations (FBOs) and exercise instructors by recruiting 20 FBOs and 20 or more exercise instructors and by obtaining input from key stakeholders (representatives of FBOs, community representatives, exercise instructors) regarding potential barriers and facilitators to program adoption. METHODS: We used both multistage, purposeful random sampling and snowball sampling to recruit FBOs and exercise instructors in 7 West Virginia counties. Two forums were held with stakeholders to identify barriers and facilitators to program adoption. We calculated separate adoption rates for organizations and exercise instructors. OUTCOME: It took up to 3 months to recruit each FBO with an adoption rate of 94%. We made 289 telephone calls, sent 193 emails and 215 letters, distributed brochures and flyers to 69 FBOs, held 118 meetings, and made 20 trips over a period of 31 days (8,933 miles traveled). Nineteen of 22 trained exercise instructors started classes, an instructor adoption rate of 86%. Key issues regarding adoption were the age requirement for participants, trust, education, and competing priorities. INTERPRETATION: Although we had recruitment challenges, our adoption rates were similar to or higher than those reported in other studies, and the objectives of the community engagement project were met. Clustering the FBOs and having them located closer geographically to our location may have reduced our resource use, and using a recruitment coordinator from the local community may have enabled us to gain the trust of congregants and clergy support.

Safe, Affordable, Convenient: Environmental Features of Malls and Other Public Spaces Used by Older Adults for Walking.

BACKGROUND: Midlife and older adults use shopping malls for walking, but little research has examined mall characteristics that contribute to their walkability. METHODS: We used modified versions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Healthy Aging Research Network (HAN) Environmental Audit and the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) tool to systematically observe 443 walkers in 10 shopping malls. We also observed 87 walkers in 6 community-based nonmall/nongym venues where older adults routinely walked for physical activity. RESULTS: All venues had public transit stops and accessible parking. All malls and 67% of nonmalls had wayfinding aids, and most venues (81%) had an established circuitous walking route and clean, well-maintained public restrooms (94%). All venues had level floor surfaces, and one-half had benches along the walking route. Venues varied in hours of access, programming, tripping hazards, traffic control near entrances, and lighting. CONCLUSIONS: Despite diversity in location, size, and purpose, the mall and nonmall venues audited shared numerous environmental features known to promote walking in older adults and few barriers to walking. Future research should consider programmatic features and outreach strategies to expand the use of malls and other suitable public spaces for walking.

Mall Walking Program Environments, Features, and Participants: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Walking is a preferred and recommended physical activity for middle-aged and older adults, but many barriers exist, including concerns about safety (ie, personal security), falling, and inclement weather. Mall walking programs may overcome these barriers. The purpose of this study was to summarize the evidence on the health-related value of mall walking and mall walking programs. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of the literature to determine the features, environments, and benefits of mall walking programs using the RE-AIM framework (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance). The inclusion criteria were articles that involved adults aged 45 years or older who walked in indoor or outdoor shopping malls. Exclusion criteria were articles that used malls as laboratory settings or focused on the mechanics of walking. We included published research studies, dissertations, theses, conference abstracts, syntheses, nonresearch articles, theoretical papers, editorials, reports, policy briefs, standards and guidelines, and nonresearch conference abstracts and proposals. Websites and articles written in a language other than English were excluded. RESULTS: We located 254 articles on mall walking; 32 articles met our inclusion criteria. We found that malls provided safe, accessible, and affordable exercise environments for middle-aged and older adults. Programmatic features such as program leaders, blood pressure checks, and warm-up exercises facilitated participation. Individual benefits of mall walking programs included improvements in physical, social, and emotional well-being. Limited transportation to the mall was a barrier to participation. CONCLUSION: We found the potential for mall walking programs to be implemented in various communities as a health promotion measure. However, the research on mall walking programs is limited and has weak study designs. More rigorous research is needed to define best practices for mall walking programs' reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

Educating Physical Therapist Students in Tobacco Cessation Counseling: Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of chronic disease and premature morbidity. People with physical disabilities experience elevated smoking prevalence when compared with their non-disabled peers. The physical therapy profession is dedicated to meeting needs of people with physical disabilities, yet most physical therapists (PT) do not typically provide tobacco cessation interventions. Similar deficits exist among other health professions, creating a demand for improved services to address smoking-related health burdens. Within other health professions, insufficient tobacco cessation counseling (TCC) education has been linked to a lack of interventions and may account for similar deficits in physical therapy practice. STUDY PURPOSE: Goals were to assess feasibility, implementation, and results of a tailored TCC educational program for entry-level physical therapist (PT) students. SUBJECTS: Two cohorts of entry-level physical therapist (PT) students (n = 12 and n = 17). METHODS: Educational objectives were established based on prior review of the literature, a survey of national PT education programs, and clinical guidelines for TCC established by the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). Based on these objectives, the team designed a 3-hour workshop involving didactic content and problem-based skills practice. A pre- and post-test survey was used to measure 6 dimensions: knowledge, perceived barriers, perceived facilitators, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-rated skill in TCC. Within each cohort, changes in score were compared using a paired t test. The ability to apply clinical guidelines for TCC was assessed using case scenarios and structured observation. These outcomes were selected based on the Theory of Reasoned Action, which states that future behavior is determined by intention to act. Intention to act is a product of knowledge, a positive balance between perceived barriers and facilitators, strong self-efficacy, favorable outcome expectations, and necessary skills. Student satisfaction with training was assessed through anonymous written feedback. Feasibility was based on cost analysis, including material resources, as well as faculty time and effort. RESULTS: Following participation, both cohorts improved in knowledge, perceived facilitators, outcome expectations, and self-rated skill. Cohort 2 also showed an increase in self-efficacy (P < .01). Structured observation revealed competencies in application of clinical guidelines for case-based scenarios. Mean student satisfaction ratings for the educational experience were 5/5, and cost-estimate for delivery of the 3-hour educational intervention was approximately $32 per student. CONCLUSIONS: This research study demonstrated feasibility and impact of an evidence-based curricular model designed to increase likelihood of TCC by future PTs by enhancing factors known to promote TCC behaviors. The program was well-received by students, and objectives were achieved through efficient use of faculty time and resources. Subsequent research should examine the effects of training on the provision of TCC within clinical settings, as well as the impact of TCC on smoking quit rates for patients who have received this intervention as a component of their physical therapy plan of care.

Older Adults' Perceptions of Mobility: A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Studies.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Optimal mobility is an important element of healthy aging. Yet, older adults' perceptions of mobility and mobility preservation are not well understood. The purposes of our study were to (a) identify studies that report older adults' perceptions of mobility, (b) conduct a standardized methodological quality assessment, and (c) conduct a metasynthesis of the identified studies. DESIGN AND METHODS: We included studies with community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years, focused on perceptions of mobility pertaining to everyday functioning, used qualitative methods, and were cited in PubMed, Embase, CINAHLPlus, or Geobase databases. Study quality was appraised using the McMaster University Tool. RESULTS: Out of 748 studies identified, 12 met inclusion criteria. Overall quality of the studies was variable. Metasynthesis produced 3 overarching themes: (a) mobility is part of sense of self and feeling whole, (b) assisted mobility is fundamental to living, and (c) adaptability is key to moving forward. IMPLICATIONS: Older adults' perceptions of mobility can inform interventions that would involve actively planning for future mobility needs and enhance the acceptance of the changes, both to the older adult and the perceived response to changes by those around them.

Developing a framework and priorities to promote mobility among older adults.

Mobility, broadly defined as movement in all of its forms from ambulation to transportation, is critical to supporting optimal aging. This article describes two projects to develop a framework and a set of priority actions designed to promote mobility among community-dwelling older adults. Project 1 involved a concept-mapping process to solicit and organize action items into domains from a broad group of stakeholders to create the framework. Concept mapping uses qualitative group processes with multivariate statistical analysis to represent the ideas visually through maps. A snowball technique was used to identify stakeholders (n = 211). A 12-member steering committee developed a focus prompt, "One specific action that can lead to positive change in mobility for older adults in the United States is..." Project 2 included a Delphi technique (n = 43) with three iterations to prioritize four to six items using results from the concept mapping rating process. Project 1 resulted in 102 items across nine domains (Research to Practice, Independence and Engagement, Built Environment and Safety, Transportation, Policy, Housing and Accessibility, Community Supports, Training, and Coordinated Action). The number of items ranged from 6 to 18 per domain. Project 2 resulted in agreement on four items that reflect the importance of promoting environmental strategies through collaborative initiatives aimed at planning and best practices focusing on environmental enhancements or transit, training of professionals, and integration of mobility into state and local public health plans. These findings can be applied to support coordinated, multidisciplinary research and practice to promote mobility among older adults.

Tobacco cessation counseling training in US entry-level physical therapist education curricula: prevalence, content, and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: The US Public Health Service (USPHS) recommends tobacco cessation counseling (TCC) training for all health care professionals. Within physical therapist practice, smoking can have adverse effects on treatment outcomes in all body systems. In addition, people with physical disabilities have a higher smoking prevalence than the general population, creating a strong need for tobacco cessation among physical therapy clientele. Therefore, TCC training is an important component of entry-level physical therapist education. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were: (1) to determine need for TCC training within entry-level physical therapist education and (2) to identify potential barriers to implementation of USPHS guidelines in the academic environment. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. METHODS: Directors or academic coordinators of clinical education from entry-level physical therapist programs (N=204) were surveyed using an online instrument designed specifically for this study. Data regarding program and faculty characteristics, tobacco-related training content, and faculty opinions toward TCC in both physical therapist practice and education were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: The response rate was 71%. A majority (60%) of programs indicated inclusion of tobacco-related training, most commonly 1 to 2 hours in duration, and of these programs, 40% trained students in the implementation of USPHS clinical guidelines for TCC. LIMITATIONS: Data analyses were constrained by limited or missing data in some areas. A single faculty member completed the survey for each program. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for TCC training in entry-level physical therapist education. Inclusion may be facilitated by addressing perceived barriers toward TCC as a component of physical therapist practice and promoting the relevance of TCC as it relates to intended outcomes of physical therapy interventions.

The healthy aging research network: resources for building capacity for public health and aging practice.

There is an urgent need to translate science into practice and help enhance the capacity of professionals to deliver evidence-based programming. We describe contributions of the Healthy Aging Research Network in building professional capacity through online modules, issue briefs, monographs, and tools focused on health promotion practice, physical activity, mental health, and environment and policy. We also describe practice partnerships and research activities that helped inform product development and ways these products have been incorporated into real-world practice to illustrate possibilities for future applications. Our work aims to bridge the research-to-practice gap to meet the demands of an aging population.