Citation

Ostrow AC, Shaffron P, McPherson K. J. Saf. Res. 1992; 23(4): 207-219.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Previous attempts to sustain the automobile driving skills of older adults have centered on modifying the driving environment, improving the design of the vehicle, or introducing comprehensive educational programs. This research represents the first experimental investigation of the effects of a physical fitness training program on the automobile driving performance of older adults. Thirty-two older adults were assigned randomly, stratified by gender, to either an experimental group who participated in an 8 week range-of-motion exercise training program or a control group. A 2 (Experimental group/Control group) x 3 (Testing Session) repeated measures experimental design was used to examine the effects of the 8 week range-of-motion exercise training program on subject range of motion and a field-based assessment of automobile driving skill. The results indicated that the program was successful in improving subject shoulder flexibility and trunk rotation, as well as improving scores on the driving skill measure of observing.