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This thesis comprises a systematic literature review and empirical paper investigating observational coding systems that have been applied to study interactions between couples where one spouse has a diagnosis of a chronic condition. The literature review offers a critical evaluation of nine coding systems that have been used by 14 papers. A description of each coding system is provided, as well as its theoretical development, evaluation of its application, reliability, validity, generalizability, and utility with a chronic condition population. The review concludes that tailored coding systems need to be developed that focus on specific behaviours that would inform care of someone with a chronic condition.The empirical paper presents the development and psychometric evaluation of an observational coding system for person-centred spousal care. Eleven couples, where one spouse had a diagnosis of dementia, were video-taped completing an everyday task. These videos were coded by three trained raters. Care-giving spouses also completed the Birmingham Relationship Continuity Measure as a measure of relationship continuity. Results suggested that the coding system had good inter-rater reliability, although validity needs to be evaluated. The hypothesis, that spouses scoring high on relationship continuity would relate using a more person-centred approach, was not supported.

The purpose of this study was to observe the differences between power and balance in older adults over the age of 65 with and without falls. A total of 62 community dwelling older adults between the ages of 65 and 92 participated in the study. Two groups consisted of 25 fallers and 37 non-fallers. No statistical differences were found between groups on age, height, weight, or BMI. Testing included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to test balance, the Tendo Weightlifting Analyzer (TWA) during a sit-to-stand to test lower body power, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) to assess physical activity. Results demonstrate the fallers had significantly lower balance (50.4 ± 6.2; p = .02) and average power (325.5 ± 114.3 watts; p = .01) when compared to the non-fallers (53.5 ± 3.1; p = .02, 420.6 ± 154.9 watts; p = .01). Physical activity was significantly correlated to balance (r = .33; p = .01). Lastly, power and balance were found to be significantly correlated (r = .43; p = .001). Overall, this study shows fallers have significantly lower power and balance compared to age matched non-fallers. The study also demonstrates balance and power, when measuring power in a way that is associated with activities of daily living, are strongly correlated.