University of Maryland Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Center

INVESTIGATING INNOVATIVE WAYS TO MAINTAIN OR RESTORE INDEPENDENCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Welcome to the University of Maryland Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (UM-OAIC) Web site. The UM-OAIC was established in 1994. Since that time, we have successfully demonstrated that rehabilitation interventions improve cardiovascular fitness, ambulation (walking) and activities of daily living to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in older individuals with chronic disabling diseases. The UM-OAIC is made possible by a grant from the National Institute on Aging.

Study participant pictures

OUR MISSION

• Conduct exercise and motor learning-based rehabilitation research
  
  
• Optimize the recovery of older adults who have suffered a stroke, hip fracture or other chronic debilitating diseases
  
  
• Translate these findings into effective community-based rehabilitation programs
  
  
  

CENTER DESCRIPTION

The UM-OAIC is a National Institute on Aging Older American Independence Center investigating innovative ways to maintain or restore independence for older adults. The UM-OAIC partners with several academic affiliates, which afford the Center cutting edge resources and relationships to advance the science of exercise rehabilitation in stroke, hip fracture and other conditions associated with aging. The UM-OAIC has continued to expand over the last decade.  Currently there are inpatient and outpatient clinical research spaces, exam rooms, exercise physiology and biochemistry research labs, a Human Performance Lab and a Senior Exercise Rehabilitation Center (SERC). The 5000 ft² SERC includes a 250 ft walking track, 12 rehabilitation grade treadmills, weight suspension units for training of high-fall risk patients and strength training equipment.