Effects of new, individually adjusted, progressive balance group training for elderly people with fear of falling and tend to fall: a randomized controlled trial

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1021-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Halvarsson ◽  
Elisabeth Olsson ◽  
Elin Farén ◽  
Anna Pettersson ◽  
Agneta Ståhle
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Group Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Dual Task Performance

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a new, individually adjusted, progressive and specific balance group training programme on fear of falling, step execution, and gait in healthy elderly people with fear of falling and tend to fall. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: The study was conducted in Stockholm County, Sweden. Subjects: Fifty-nine community dwelling elderly people were recruited by advertisement, and allocated at random to an intervention group ( n = 38) or a control group ( n = 21). Intervention: Individually adjusted, progressive and specific balance group training was given three times a week for three months. The training incorporated elements included in, and required for, independent activities of daily living, and for reactions to loss of balance during dual or multiple tasks. Main measures: Fear of falling was assessed with Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). The reaction time of step execution was measured with the step-execution test, and gait was measured with GAITRite®. Results: After three months the intervention group showed significant positive changes in the FES-I ( P = 0.008), in the step-execution phase of dual-task performance ( P = 0.012), and in gait at preferred speed during single-task performance; in cadence ( P = 0.030) and, at fast speed, in velocity ( P = 0.004) and cadence ( P = 0.001). Significant decreases were also found for the likelihood of depression after participating in the training programme. Conclusion: This new balance training programme is feasible and leads to decreased fear of falling, decreased time for step execution during dual-task performance and increased velocity during fast walking.

Effectiveness of balance training programme in reducing the frequency of falling in established osteoporotic women: a randomized controlled trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibolya Mikó ◽  
Imre Szerb ◽  
Anna Szerb ◽  
Gyula Poor
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective: To investigate the effect of a 12-month sensomotor balance exercise programme on postural control and the frequency of falling in women with established osteoporosis. Design: Randomized controlled trial where the intervention group was assigned the 12-month Balance Training Programme and the control group did not undertake any intervention beyond regular osteoporosis treatment. Subjects: A total of 100 osteoporotic women – at least with one osteoporotic fracture – aged 65 years old and above. Main measures: Balance was assessed in static and dynamic posture both with performance-based measures of balance, such as the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test, and with a stabilometric computerized platform. Interventions: Patients in the intervention group completed the 12-month sensomotor Balance Training Programme in an outpatient setting, guided by physical therapists, three times a week, for 30 minutes. Results: The Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test showed a statistically significant improvement of balance in the intervention group ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Balance tests using the stabilometer also showed a statistically significant improvement in static and dynamic postural balance for osteoporotic women after the completion of the Balance Training Programme. As a consequence, the one-year exercise programme significantly decreased the number of falls in the exercise group compared with the control group. Conclusion: The Balance Training Programme significantly improved the balance parameters and reduced the number of falls in postmenopausal women who have already had at least one fracture in the past.

scholarly journals Walking-adaptability therapy after stroke: results of a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celine Timmermans ◽  
Melvyn Roerdink ◽  
Carel G.M. Meskers ◽  
Peter J. Beek ◽  
Thomas W.J. Janssen
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
Dual Task ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Physical Context ◽  
Dual Task Performance ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Walking Adaptability

Abstract BackgroundThe ability to adapt walking to environmental properties and hazards, a prerequisite for safe ambulation, is often impaired in persons after stroke. Research questionThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two walking-adaptability interventions: treadmill-based C-Mill therapy (using gait-dependent augmented reality) and the overground FALLS program (using physical context). We hypothesized better outcomes for C-Mill therapy than the FALLS program due to its expected greater amount of walking practice. MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, forty persons after stroke (≥3 months ago) with walking and/or balance deficits were randomly allocated to either 5 weeks of C-Mill therapy or the FALLS program. The primary outcome measure was the standard walking speed as determined with the 10 Meter Walking Test (10MWT). Additionally, context-specific walking speed was assessed in environments enriched with either stationary physical context (10MWT context) or suddenly appearing visual images (Interactive Walkway). The walking-adaptability scores of those enriched walking tests served as secondary outcome measures. Furthermore, a cognitive task was added to all three assessments to evaluate dual-task performance. Finally, the participants’ experience and amount of walking practice were scored.Results While both interventions did not show significant improvements in the standard walking speed, they did show significant improvements in context-specific walking speed, walking adaptability and cognitive dual-task performance. C-Mill therapy led to a greater improvement in context-specific walking speed with stationary physical context compared to the FALLS program; however, this improvement was no longer significant at retention. Both interventions were well received, but C-Mill therapy scored better on perceived increased fitness than the FALLS program. Moreover, C-Mill therapy resulted in twice as many steps per session of equal duration than the FALLS program.SignificanceBoth interventions led to long term context-specific improvements in walking speed, walking adaptability and dual-tasking.Trial registration: The Netherlands Trial Register (NTR4030). Registered 11-June 2013, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/3842

scholarly journals Moderate Exercise Improves Cognitive Function in Healthy Elderly People: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-80
Author(s):  
Mauro Giovanni Carta ◽  
Giulia Cossu ◽  
Elisa Pintus ◽  
Rosanna Zaccheddu ◽  
Omar Callia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Active Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Short Period

Background: Physical activity in the elderly is recommended by international guidelines to protect against cognitive decline and functional impairment. Objective: This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was set up to verify whether medium-intensity physical activity in elderly people living in the community is effective in improving cognitive performance. Design: RCT with parallel and balanced large groups. Setting: Academic university hospital and Olympic gyms. Subjects: People aged 65 years old and older of both genders living at home holding a medical certificate for suitability in non-competitive physical activity. Methods: Participants were randomized to a 12-week, 3 sessions per week moderate physical activity program or to a control condition focused on cultural and recreational activities in groups of the same size and timing as the active intervention group. The active phase integrated a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, including drills of “life movements”, strength and balance. The primary outcome was: any change in Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) and its subscales. Results: At the end of the trial, 52 people completed the active intervention, and 53 people completed the control condition. People in the active intervention improved on the ACE-R (ANOVA: F(1;102)=4.32, p=0.040), and also showed better performances on the memory (F(1;102)=5.40 p=0.022) and visual-space skills subscales of the ACE-R (F(1;102)=4.09 p=0.046). Conclusion: A moderate-intensity exercise administered for a relatively short period of 12 weeks is capable of improving cognitive performance in a sample of elderly people who live independently in their homes. Clinical Trials Registration No: NCT03858114

Effects of a home-based step training programme on balance, stepping, cognition and functional performance in people with multiple sclerosis – a randomized controlled trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phu Hoang ◽  
Daniel Schoene ◽  
Simon Gandevia ◽  
Stuart Smith ◽  
Stephen R Lord
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background: Stepping impairments increase fall risk in people with MS. No studies have evaluated step training for reducing fall risk in this population. Objectives: To determine if step training can improve physical and neuropsychological measures associated with falls in MS. Methods: 50 PwMS with moderate disability participated in a randomized controlled trial in which intervention group participants ( n = 28) performed step training for 12 weeks while controls ( n = 22) continued usual physical activity. The primary outcomes were choice stepping reaction time (CSRT) and Stroop stepping test (SST) time. Secondary outcomes included balance test (postural sway, CSRT components), gait speed and cognitive tests, nine-hole peg test (9-HPT) and MS functional composite (MSFC) score. Results: 44 participants completed the study and no adverse events were reported. Compared with the control group, the intervention group performed significantly better at retest in CSRT and SST times, and tests of sway with eyes open, 9-HPT, single and dual task gait speed and MSFC score. There was a non-significant trend for fewer falls in the intervention group. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the step training programme is feasible, safe and effective in improving stepping, standing balance, coordination and functional performance in people with MS.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of brief suicide management training programme for medical residents in Japan: a cluster randomized controlled trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Suzuki ◽  
T. A. Kato ◽  
R. Sato ◽  
D. Fujisawa ◽  
K. Aoyama-Uehara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Medical Residents ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Aims.To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief suicide management training programme for Japanese medical residents compared with the usual lecture on suicidality.Methods.In this multi-center, clustered randomized controlled trial, the intervention group attended a structured suicide management programme and the control group, the usual lecture on depression and suicidality. The primary outcome was the difference in residents' cumulative competency score to manage suicidal persons from baseline (T0) to 1 month after the intervention (T2), determined using the Suicide Intervention Response Inventory (SIRI-1) score, at individual level.Results.Analysis of 114 residents (intervention group n = 65, control group n = 49) assigned to two clusters in each group revealed no change in SIRI-1 score from T0 to T2 or immediately after the intervention (T1) between the two groups. As a secondary analysis, discrepancy in judgement between the participants and Japanese suicidologists was examined immediately after the intervention in the adjusted model, with a mean difference in score of 9.98 (95% confidence interval: 4.39–15.56; p = 0.001).Conclusions.The structured programme was not proven to improve competency in suicide management when measured by the SIRI-1 score. Further elaboration of the programme and valid measurement of its outcome would be needed to show the program's effectiveness.

scholarly journals Task-specific balance training improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling: a randomized controlled trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1189-1197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsti Skavberg Roaldsen ◽  
Alexandra Halvarsson ◽  
Theres Sahlström ◽  
Agneta Ståhle
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Balance Deficits ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week balance training programme on self-assessed function and disability in healthy community-dwelling older adults with self-perceived balance deficits and fear of falling. Design: A prospective, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Stockholm County, Sweden. Participants: A total of 59 community-dwelling older adults (42 women and 17 men) aged 67–93 were randomized to either an intervention group ( n = 38) or to serve as controls ( n = 21) after baseline testing. Intervention: The intervention was a 12-week, three times per week, progressive, specific and individually adjusted group balance-training programme. Main measures: Self-perceived function and disability measured with Late Life Function and Disability Instrument. Results: The intervention group reported improvement in overall function ( p = 0.016), as well as in basic ( p = 0.044) and advanced lower extremity function ( p = 0.025) compared with the control group. The study showed no improvement in overall disability or upper extremity function. Conclusion: This group balance training programme improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling.

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