Dr. Renfro studies how to prevent falls in older adults and those with intellectual or developmental disorders. He has researched effective techniques, like community screenings led by physical therapists, which help older adults recognize and change unsafe behaviors that lead to falls. His work emphasizes exercise programs designed specifically for people with disabilities to improve their balance and mobility, reducing their fall risk. Additionally, he examines medical procedures such as balloon kyphoplasty for treating spine fractures to enhance recovery and independence in older patients.
Key findings
Out of 123 older adults studied, about 50% made positive behavioral changes to reduce fall risk within a month, which increased to roughly 65% by five months.
In a study on a modified Otago Exercise Program for adults with intellectual and developmental disorders, participants showed improvements in balance and mobility over seven weeks with no falls reported.
Patients who underwent balloon kyphoplasty reported significant reductions in back pain and improved activity levels one year after the procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Renfro study fall prevention?
Yes, Dr. Renfro focuses on strategies to prevent falls in older adults and those with intellectual and developmental disorders.
What treatments has Dr. Renfro researched?
He has researched balloon kyphoplasty for spinal fractures and evidence-based exercise programs for fall prevention.
Is Dr. Renfro's work relevant to older patients?
Absolutely, his research directly addresses fall prevention and treatment options for older adults, improving their safety and independence.
Publications in plain English
Outcomes of a Physical Therapist-Led, Statewide, Community-Based Fall Risk Screening.
2020
Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001)
Karlsson L, Doe K, Gerry M, Moore B, Wingood M +2 more
Plain English The study looked at how effective community screenings for fall risk, led by physical therapists, are in helping older adults change their behaviors to reduce the risk of falling. Out of 123 participants, half had made some positive changes within a month, and this number increased to about 65% by five months. Those with higher fall risks and more education were more likely to adopt new safety behaviors, which is important because falls are a major health issue for older adults.
Who this helps: This helps older adults and their caregivers by providing strategies to prevent falls.
Validation of Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Programs for Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disorders: A Modified Otago Exercise Program.
2016
Frontiers in public health
Renfro M, Bainbridge DB, Smith ML
Plain English This study tested a modified exercise program called the Otago Exercise Program to help prevent falls among adults with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD) in Montana. Over seven weeks, participants took part in weekly exercise classes and showed improvements in balance and mobility tests, with no falls reported during the study. This matters because adults with IDD have a higher risk of falling and need effective ways to stay safe as they age.
Who this helps: This helps adults with intellectual and developmental disorders and their caregivers.
Balloon kyphoplasty: one-year outcomes in vertebral body height restoration, chronic pain, and activity levels.
2003
Journal of neurosurgery
Ledlie JT, Renfro M
Plain English This study looked at how well balloon kyphoplasty works for treating spine fractures in older patients with weakened bones. After one year, the procedure helped restore the height of the vertebrae, reduced back pain significantly, and improved patients' activity levels. For example, patients experienced less pain and were able to engage in activities more quickly, enhancing their quality of life and independence.
Who this helps: This benefits older patients with spinal fractures, enabling them to live more active and independent lives.
Anterior third ventricle meningioma in an adolescent: a case report.
1992
Neurosurgery
Renfro M, Delashaw JB, Peters K, Rhoton E
Plain English This study looks at a rare brain tumor called a meningioma found in the front part of the third ventricle of a 17-year-old girl. The tumor was successfully removed through surgery with very few complications. Findings indicate that using advanced surgical tools, like microscopes, has significantly improved the safety of these operations.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with brain tumors and their doctors by showing safer treatment options.