Effects of a multicomponent high intensity exercise program on physical function and health-related quality of life in older adults with or at risk of mobility disability after discharge from hospital: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background Many older people suffer from mobility limitations and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after discharge from hospital. A consensus regarding the most effective exercise-program to optimize physical function and HRQOL after discharge is lacking. This study investigates the effects of a group-based multicomponent high intensity exercise program on physical function and HRQOL in older adults with or at risk of mobility disability after discharge from hospital. Methods This single blinded parallel group randomised controlled trial recruited eighty-nine home dwelling older people (65–89 years) while inpatient at medical wards at a general hospital in Oslo, Norway. Baseline testing was conducted median 49 (25 percentile, 75 percentile) (26, 116) days after discharge, before randomisation to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group performed a group-based exercise program led by a physiotherapist twice a week for 4 months. Both groups were instructed in a home-based exercise program and were encouraged to exercise according to World Health Organisation’s recommendations for physical activity in older people. The primary outcome, physical performance, was measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes were 6-min walk test (6MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), grip strength, Body Mass Index (BMI), and HRQOL (the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36)). Data were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Between-group differences were assessed using independent samples t-test. Results The groups were comparable at baseline. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that the intervention group improved their functional capacity (6MWT) and the physical component summary of SF-36 significantly compared to the control group. No further between group differences in change from baseline to 4 months follow-up were found. Conclusions A high intensity multicomponent exercise program significantly improved functional capacity and physical HRQOL in older adults with or at risk of mobility disability after discharge from hospital. The study suggests that this population can benefit from systematic group exercise after hospital-initial rehabilitation has ended. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT02905383. September 19, 2016.

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Peer-led exercise program for ageing adults to improve physical functions - a randomized trial

European Review of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s11556-021-00257-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

D. R. Bouchard ◽

J. V. Olthuis ◽

V. Bouffard-Levasseur ◽

C. Shannon ◽

T. McDonald ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Function ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Walk Test ◽

Blood Draw ◽

Chair Stand ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Physical Functions

Abstract Background A peer-led exercise program is one way to empower people sharing similar characteristics to encourage others to be active, but there is a lack of evidence that these programs have physical function and other benefits when delivered to ageing adults. Methods This randomized controlled trial lasting 12 weeks proposed an exercise peer-led program offered to 31 adults aged 50 and above, twice a week, by a trained leader of the same age from March to May 2019. The program was offered for free with limited space and equipment. Valid tests of physical function (e.g., 30-s chair stand, 6-min walk test) were used to assess the functional benefits. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed using self-reported questionnaires and metabolic outcomes via a fasted blood draw. Results A significant difference was found between pre-and post-values in most physical function tests in the intervention group (all p < 0.05). When adjusted for potential confounders, the intervention group was significantly associated with a more significant improvement on the chair stand test (ß = .26; p < 0.001; r2 = 0.26), the arm curl (ß = .29; p < 0.001; r2 = 0.49), as well as the 6-min walk test (ß = -.14; p < 0.001; r2 = 0.62) compared with the control group. Using repetitive measures generalized linear model, the interaction between the changes and the group was significant for all three tests. Benefits were also observed for participants’ stress level and perceived health in the intervention group compared to the control. Finally, no significant difference was observed between groups for metabolic health. Conclusions The current work suggests that a 12-week peer-led exercise program can improve physical function for adults age 50 and above. Trial registration NCT03799952(ClinicalTrials.gov) 12/20/2018.

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Implementation and effectiveness of a multi-domain program for older adults at risk of cognitive impairment at neighborhood senior centres

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83408-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Pei Ern Mary Ng ◽

Sean Olivia Nicholas ◽

Shiou Liang Wee ◽

Teng Yan Yau ◽

Alvin Chan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

At Risk ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Attrition Rate ◽

Control Group

AbstractTo address the paucity of research investigating the implementation of multi-domain dementia prevention interventions, we implemented and evaluated a 24-week, bi-weekly multi-domain program for older adults at risk of cognitive impairment at neighborhood senior centres (SCs). It comprised dual-task exercises, cognitive training, and mobile application-based nutritional guidance. An RCT design informed by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance framework was adopted. Outcome measures include cognition, quality of life, blood parameters, and physical performance. Implementation was evaluated through questionnaires administered to participants, implementers, SC managers, attendance lists, and observations. The program reached almost 50% of eligible participants, had an attrition rate of 22%, and was adopted by 8.7% of the SCs approached. It was implemented as intended; only the nutritional component was re-designed due to participants’ unfamiliarity with the mobile application. While there were no between-group differences in cognition, quality of life, and blood parameters, quality of life reduced in the control group and physical function improved in the intervention group after 24 weeks. The program was well-received by participants and SCs. Our findings show that a multi-domain program for at-risk older adults has benefits and can be implemented through neighborhood SCs. Areas of improvement are discussed.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04440969 retrospectively registered on 22 June 2020.

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The Effect of Theory-lead Intervention for Knee Osteoarthritis in Older Adults: A Cluster Randomized Trial

10.21203/rs.2.22689/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Limin Wang ◽

Hongbo Chen ◽

Han Lu ◽

Yunlin Wang ◽

Congying Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Transtheoretical Model ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Exercise Adherence ◽

Cluster Randomized Trial ◽

Knee Function ◽

Control Group ◽

Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common joint disease in people over 60 years old. Exercise therapy is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for KOA, but low exercise adherence needs to be improved. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the transtheoretical model-lead home exercise intervention (TTM-HEI) program on exercise adherence, KOA symptoms and knee function in older adults with KOA. Methods: A two-arm, superiority, assessor-blinded, cluster randomized trial was conducted. Community-dwelling older adults with KOA were recruited from 14 community centers in Beijing, China via print and social media advertisements from April to October 2018. The intervention was a two-stage and 24-week transtheoretical model-based exercise program, and the control group underwent a same length but non-theory-based exercise program. Exercise adherence was measured by an 11-point numerical self-rating scale at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 after the program started. KOA symptoms (pain intensity and joint stiffness) and knee function (lower limb muscle strength and balance) were measured at baseline, week 24, and week 48. Latent growth model (GLM), repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-test were the main statistical tests.Results: A total of 189 older adults (intervention group: n = 103, control group: n = 86) were enrolled. Differences of any outcome measures at baseline were not significant between groups. The growth rate of exercise adherence in the intervention group increased 2.175 units compared with the control group (unstandardized coefficient of slope on group B2 = 2.175, p < 0.001), and the intervention program maintained participants’ exercise adherence with 5.56 (SD = 1.00) compared with 3.16 (SD = 1.31) in the control group at week 48. In addition, TTM-HEI program showed significant effects on relieving KOA symptoms and improving knee function.Conclusion: The TTM-HEI could improve the participants’ exercise adherence, knee osteoarthritis symptoms and knee function over time.

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Moderate- to high intensity aerobic and resistance exercise reduces peripheral blood regulatory cell populations in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis

Immunity & Ageing ◽

10.1186/s12979-020-00184-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sofia E. M. Andersson ◽

Elvira Lange ◽

Daniel Kucharski ◽

Sara Svedlund ◽

Karin Önnheim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Older Adults ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

High Intensity ◽

Intervention Group ◽

High Intensity Exercise ◽

Cell Populations ◽

Control Group ◽

Regulatory Cells ◽

Active Control Group

Abstract Objective Exercise can improve immune health and is beneficial for physical function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the immunological mechanisms are largely unknown. We evaluated the effect of moderate- to high intensity exercise with person-centred guidance on cells of the immune system, with focus on regulatory cell populations, in older adults with RA. Methods Older adults (≥65 years) with RA were randomized to either 20-weeks of moderate – to high intensity aerobic and resistance exercise (n = 24) or to an active control group performing home-based exercise of light intensity (n = 25). Aerobic capacity, muscle strength, DAS28 and CRP were evaluated. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 20 weeks. The frequency of immune cells defined as adaptive regulatory populations, CD4 + Foxp3 + CD25 + CD127- T regulatory cells (Tregs) and CD19 + CD24hiCD38hi B regulatory cells (Bregs) as well as HLA-DR−/lowCD33 + CD11b + myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), were assessed using flow cytometry. Results After 20 weeks of moderate- to high intensity exercise, aerobic capacity and muscle strength were significantly improved but there were no significant changes in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) or CRP. The frequency of Tregs and Bregs decreased significantly in the intervention group, but not in the active control group. The exercise intervention had no effect on MDSCs. The reduction in regulatory T cells in the intervention group was most pronounced in the female patients. Conclusion Moderate- to high intensity exercise in older adults with RA led to a decreased proportion of Tregs and Bregs, but that was not associated with increased disease activity or increased inflammation. Trial registration Improved Ability to Cope With Everyday Life Through a Person-centered Training Program in Elderly Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis - PEP-walk Study, NCT02397798. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov March 19, 2015.

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The Effect of Transtheoretical Model-lead Intervention for Knee Osteoarthritis in Older Adults: A Cluster Randomized Trial

10.21203/rs.2.22689/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Limin Wang ◽

Hongbo Chen ◽

Han Lu ◽

Yunlin Wang ◽

Congying Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Transtheoretical Model ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Exercise Adherence ◽

Cluster Randomized Trial ◽

Knee Function ◽

Home Exercise ◽

Control Group ◽

Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common joint disease in people over 60 years old. Exercise therapy is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for KOA, but low exercise adherence needs to be improved. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Transtheoretical Model-lead home exercise intervention (TTM-HEI) program on exercise adherence, KOA symptoms, and knee function in older adults with KOA. Methods: A two-arm, superiority, assessor-blinded, cluster randomized trial was conducted. Community-dwelling older adults with KOA were recruited from 14 community centers in Beijing, China, via print and social media advertisements from April to October 2018. The present study lasted 48 weeks, with an intervention duration of 0–24 weeks and follow-up time of 24–48 weeks. The intervention was a two-stage and 24-week TTM-based exercise program, and the control group underwent a same-length exercise program guidance without any exercise-adherence interventions. The primary outcome was exercise adherence to the prescribed home exercise program and was measured using an 11-point numerical (0=not at all through and 10=completely as instructed) self-rating scale at week 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 after the program started. KOA symptoms (pain intensity and joint stiffness) were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and knee function (lower limb muscle strength and balance) was measured using the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) at baseline, week 24 and week 48. Latent growth model (GLM), repeated measures ANOVA, and independent t-test were the main statistical tests used.Results: A total of 189 older adults (intervention group: n = 103, control group: n = 86) were enrolled. Differences of any outcome measures at baseline were not significant between groups. The growth rate of exercise adherence in the intervention group increased 2.175 units compared with the control group (unstandardized coefficient of slope on group B2 = 2.175, p < 0.001), and the intervention program maintained participants’ exercise adherence with 5.56 (SD = 1.00) compared with 3.16 (SD = 1.31) in the control group at week 48. In addition, TTM-HEI program showed significant effects on relieving KOA symptoms and improving knee function.Conclusion: Over time, TTM-HEI could improve participants’ exercise adherence, KOA symptoms, and knee function.Trial registration: This study was approved by the ethics committee (IRB00001052-17066) in July 2017 and was registered at Chinese Clinical Trails Registry (website: www.chictr.org.cn, registry number: ChiCTR1800015458).

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Evaluating the effects of an exercise program (Staying UpRight) for older adults in long-term care on rates of falls: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

10.21203/rs.2.15840/v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Lynne Taylor ◽

John Parsons ◽

Denise Taylor ◽

Elizabeth Binns ◽

Sue Lord ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Long Term Care ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Term Care

Abstract Background Falls are two to four times more frequent amongst long-term care (LTC) than community-dwelling older adults and have deleterious consequences. It is hypothesized that a progressive exercise program targeting balance and strength will reduce falls rates when compared to a seated exercise program and do so cost effectively. Methods/Design This is a single blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment of outcome and intention-to-treat analysis. LTC residents (age ≥65 years) will be recruited from LTC facilities in New Zealand. Participants (n= 528 total; with a 1:1 allocation ratio) will be randomly assigned to either a novel exercise program (Staying UpRight), comprising strength and balance exercises designed specifically for LTC and acceptable to people with dementia, (intervention group) or a seated exercise program (control group). The intervention and control group classes will be delivered for 1 hour twice weekly over 1 year. The primary outcome is rate of falls (per 1000 person years) within the intervention period. Secondary outcomes will be risk of falling (the proportion of fallers per group), falls rate relative to activity exposure, hospitalisation for fall-related injury, change in gait variability, volume and patterns of ambulatory activity and change in physical performance assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Cost effectiveness will be examined using intervention and health service costs. The trial commenced recruitment on 31 November 2018. Discussion This study evaluates the efficacy and cost effectiveness of a progressive strength and balance exercise program for aged-care residents to reduce falls. The outcomes will aid development of evidenced-based exercise programs for this vulnerable population.

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Effects of a Multicomponent Exercise Program in Physical Function and Muscle Mass in Sarcopenic/Pre-Sarcopenic Adults

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9051386 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1386

Author(s):

Hyuma Makizako ◽

Yuki Nakai ◽

Kazutoshi Tomioka ◽

Yoshiaki Taniguchi ◽

Nana Sato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Physical Function ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Muscle Area

This study aimed to assess the effects of a multicomponent exercise program on physical function and muscle mass in older adults with sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia. Moreover, we aim to standardize the exercise program for easy incorporation in the daily life of community-dwelling older adults as a secondary outcome. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with individuals (≥60 years) who had sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia (n = 72). Participants were randomly assigned to the exercise and control groups. The exercise program consisted of 12 weekly 60-min sessions that included resistance, balance, flexibility, and aerobic training. Outcome measures were physical function and muscle mass. Assessments were conducted before and immediately after the intervention. Among the 72 participants (mean age: 75.0 ± 6.9 years; 70.8% women), 67 (93.1%) completed the trial. Group-by-time interactions on the chair stand (p = 0.02) and timed “up and go” (p = 0.01) tests increased significantly in the exercise group. Although the exercise group showed a tendency to prevent loss of muscle mass, no significant interaction effects were observed for cross-sectional muscle area and muscle volume. The 12-week exercise program improved physical function in the intervention group. Although it is unclear whether the program is effective in increasing muscle mass, a multicomponent exercise program would be an effective treatment for physical function among older adults with sarcopenia.

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Effectiveness of a Targeted Exercise Intervention in Reversing Older People's Mild Balance Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20100289 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 92 (1) ◽

pp. 24-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Xiao Jing Yang ◽

Keith Hill ◽

Kirsten Moore ◽

Susan Williams ◽

Leslie Dowson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Home Exercise ◽

Control Group ◽

Home Exercise Program ◽

Randomized Controlled

Background Previous research has mainly targeted older people with high risk of falling. The effectiveness of exercise interventions in older people with mild levels of balance dysfunction remains unexplored. Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of a home balance and strength exercise intervention in older people systematically screened as having mild balance dysfunction. Design This was a community-based, randomized controlled trial with assessors blinded to group allocation. Participants Study participants were older people who reported concerns about their balance but remained community ambulant (n=225). After a comprehensive balance assessment, those classified as having mild balance dysfunction (n=165) were randomized into the trial. Intervention Participants in the intervention group (n=83) received a 6-month physical therapist–prescribed balance and strength home exercise program, based on the Otago Exercise Program and the Visual Health Information Balance and Vestibular Exercise Kit. Participants in the control group (n=82) continued with their usual activities. Outcome Measures Laboratory and clinical measures of balance, mobility, and strength were assessed at baseline and at a 6-month reassessment. Results After 6 months, the intervention group (n=59) significantly improved relative to the control group (n=62) for: the Functional Reach Test (mean difference=2.95 cm, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.75 to 4.15), the Step Test (2.10 steps/15 seconds, 95% CI=1.17 to 3.02), hip abductor strength (0.02, 95% CI=0.01 to 0.03), and gait step width (2.17 cm, 95% CI=1.23 to 3.11). There were nonsignificant trends for improvement on most other measures. Fourteen participants in the intervention group (23.7%) achieved balance performance within the normative range following the exercise program, compared with 3 participants (4.8%) in the control group. Limitations Loss to follow-up (26.6%) was slightly higher than in some similar studies but was unlikely to have biased the results. Conclusions A physical therapist–prescribed home exercise program targeting balance and strength was effective in improving a number of balance and related outcomes in older people with mild balance impairment.

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Effectiveness of a community-delivered pneumatic machine resistance training programme (Gym Tonic) for older adults at neighbourhood senior centres – a randomized controlled trial

European Review of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s11556-021-00273-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shuen Yee Lee ◽

Alycia Goh ◽

Ken Tan ◽

Pei Ling Choo ◽

Peck Hoon Ong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Physical Function ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Training Programme ◽

Control Group ◽

Lower Extremity Muscle

Abstract Background Resistance training with pneumatic machines attenuates the age-associated loss in muscle strength and function in older adults. However, effectiveness of scaled-up pneumatic machine resistance training in the community is not known. We evaluated the effectiveness of a multi-site community-delivered 12-week pneumatic machine resistance programme (Gym Tonic (GT)) on muscle strength and physical function in older adults. Methods Three hundred eighteen community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years were randomized into 12-week (twice/week) coach-supervised-community-based-GT-programme(n = 168) and wait-list control groups(n = 150). After 12 weeks, the intervention group continued with GT-training and the control group received supervised-GT-programme for further 12 weeks (partial-crossover-design). Fried frailty score, lower-extremity muscle strength and physical function (i.e., fast and habitual gait-speed, balance, repeated-chair-sit-to-stand, short physical performance battery (SPPB)) were determined at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Analysis adopted a modified-intention-to-treat-approach. Results After 12 weeks, lower-extremity muscle strength improved by 11–26%(all p < 0.05) and fast gait-speed improved by 7%(p = 0.008) in GT-intervention group(n = 132) than controls(n = 118), regardless of frailty status. Other physical function performance did not differ between control and intervention groups after 12 weeks (all p > 0.05). Frailty score improved by 0.5 in the intervention but not control group(p = 0.004). Within the intervention group, lower-extremity muscle strength and physical function outcomes improved at 24 weeks compared with baseline (all p < 0.001). Within controls, lower-extremity muscle strength, SPPB, repeated-chair-sit-to-stand and fast gait-speed improved post-GT (24-week) compared to both pre-GT (12-week) and baseline. Programme adherence was high in intervention [0–12-weeks,90%(SD,13%); 12–24-weeks,89%(SD,17%)] and control [12–24-weeks,90%(SD,19%)] groups. Conclusion Community-delivered GT resistance training programme with pneumatic machines has high adherence, improves muscle strength and fast gait-speed, and can be effectively implemented at scale for older adults. Future studies could examine if including other multi-modal function-specific training to complement GT can achieve better physical/functional performance in power, balance and endurance tasks. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04661618, Registered 10 December 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

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Calidad De Vida Y El Equilibrio Dinámico En El Adulto Mayor

European Scientific Journal ESJ ◽

10.19044/esj.2018.v14n14p110 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (14) ◽

pp. 110

Author(s):

Orlando David Mazón Moreno ◽

Pablo Luis Lomas Badillo ◽

Danilo Ortiz Fernández ◽

Santillan Obregon Rodrigo Roberto ◽

Dennys Germán Palacios Valdiviezo

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Control Group ◽

Calidad De Vida ◽

Post Test ◽

Tinetti Test

The objective of the present investigation was to relate quality of life and dynamic balance in older adults. To this end, an intentional sample of older adults was taken from the gerontological centers of Chambo and Guano cantons, for which 35 people make up the control group (Chambo); while 71 people make up the intervention group (Guano). In order to reach the goal of the research, the quality of life was evaluated, through a pre-test called WHOQOL - BREF, followed by the Tinetti test that refers to the march - balance, ending with the Timed get up and go test, which determines the mobility measures of people who can walk on their own. To the intervention group, an exercise program was applied to improve the dynamic balance that lasted ten weeks. Finally, by means of a post test, the entire sample was evaluated, which allowed us to analyze whether there was an incidence. In other words, a slight improvement in both dynamic balance and gait after ten weeks of intervention was evidenced.

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