scholarly journals The Effect of Specific Balance Training Exercises for Preventing Falls among Elderly Women

Author(s):  
Ieva Kvietkutė ◽  
Vilma Dudonienė

All European countries are experiencing significant ageing of the population. As the lifespan of the population increases, so does the prevalence of falls. Falls in older adults are a major public health concern and a main cause of morbidity and disability. More than one-third of persons 65 years of age or older fall each year, and in half of such cases the falls are recurrent. It is very important to maintain physical activity and independence in daily activities in elderly persons as well as to apply appropriate preventive means as soon as possible. Various interventions may be used to promote health, enhance quality life and reduce falls in elderly people: exercises, home modifications, appropriate footwear and walking aids. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of specific balance training exercises for preventing falls among elderly women. Twenty eight women aged 55–75 years participated in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: exercise (n = 14, mean age 67.9 ± 6.13 years) and control (n = 14, mean age 68.9 ± 5.31). Exercise group women performed specific – Cawthorne-Cooksey balance training exercises for 4 weeks, 5 times a week. Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises consisted of moving head in sitting and standing positions with eyes open or closed, exercises on a balance platform, and walking around. One training session lasted for 30-35 minutes. No exercise was performed in the control group. Static and dynamic balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, and Tinetti Balance Scale, walking speed was assessed using Timed Up and Go Test. Risk for falls was assessed using Desmond Fall Risk Questionnaire [4]. Subjects were evaluated twice: before and after applying exercise program. More than 50% of women have had a fall in the past years, difficulty walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces, they have experienced loss of balance or a light-headed feeling standing up, and they could not walk a straight line. Only 29% of subjects participated in a regular exercise programme. The results of Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Tinetti Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test did not differ between groups before applying specific exercise program. Specific exercises significantly improved patients’ static and dynamic balance, reach functions and walking speed, while in the control group the results of all performed tests had tendency to decline. Specific Cawthorne-Cooksey balance training exercises are effective (p < 0.05) in improving balance and preventing falls in elderly women.Keywords: falls, elderly age, balance, risk of falls.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Wareńczak ◽  
Przemysław Lisiński

Abstract Background: The aim of the study was to conduct a long-term evaluation of whether total hip replacement permanently affects the quality of postural reactions and body balance. Material and methods: The unilateral Total Hip Replacement (THR) group consisted of 30 subjects (mean age: 69.4). The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects (mean age: 68.8). The force platform and functional tests such as Timed Up and Go, 3m walk test, Functional Reach Test, 30s Chair Stand Test, Step Test and Berg Balance Scale were used to assess dynamic balance. Results: Subjects from the study group exhibited significantly increased time (p=0.002) and distance (p=0.012) in the tests performed on the force platform compared to the control group. We also observed worse balance and functional test scores in the THR group: Timed Up and Go test (p<0.001), 3m walk test (p<0.001), Functional Reach Test (p=0.003), 30s Chair Stand Test (p=0.002) and Step Test (operated leg: p<0.001, non-operated leg: p=0.002). The results obtained in the Berg Balance Scale tests were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.597). Conclusions: Our research shows that total hip replacement permanently impairs patients’ dynamic balance and functionality in certain lower-extremity activities. Keywords: balance, total hip replacement, gait, muscle strength


Author(s):  
Humaira Iram ◽  
Muhammad Kashif ◽  
Hafiz Muhammad Junaid Hassan ◽  
Salma Bunyad ◽  
Samra Asghar

Abstract Objective: To determine the effects of proprioception training in improving balance in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Methods: A quasi-experimental design study was conducted at the Safi Hospital Faisalabad for eight weeks from August to December 2019. Out of, 38, 19 patients were placed in exercise group (10 males, 9 females; mean age 64 ± 7.7 years; range 60 to 83 years) and 19 patients were placed in controls group (12 males, 7 females; mean age 63 ± 8.2 years) were included in this study through consecutive sampling technique. Proprioception Training was given to exercise group twice a week for eight weeks and the diabetes awareness campaign was given once a week to the control group. Static and dynamic balance were assessed by using One Leg Standing (OLS) Test with eyes open and closed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and 10-M Walk Test (10-MWT). The data was collected before and after treatment and was compared using independent sample t-test. Results: The finding of the study showed that OLS score with eyes open improved significantly with p<0.05 and does not show improvement with eyes closed p =.073. The dynamic balance from the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and 10-M Walk Test revealed significant improvement after the balance exercises with p<0.05 Conclusion: It is concluded that proprioception training exercises are effective in improving balance among patients with Diabetic neuropathy. Continuous...


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibolya Mikó ◽  
Imre Szerb ◽  
Anna Szerb ◽  
Gyula Poor

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 630-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa María Garrido-Ardila ◽  
María Victoria González-López-Arza ◽  
Maria Jiménez-Palomares ◽  
Agustín García-Nogales ◽  
Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla

Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of a core stability training physiotherapy programme vs. acupuncture for the management of balance and functional capacity impairments of women with Fibromyalgia. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatients setting. Subjects: Women with Fibromyalgia and balance impairment. Interventions: Participants were randomized to a core stability physiotherapy programme group ( n = 45), acupuncture treatment group ( n = 45) and control group ( n = 45) for 13 weeks. Main Measures: Measures were taken at baseline (week 0), postintervention (week 6) and follow-up (week 13). The primary outcome measures were static balance (posturography) and dynamic balance and functional mobility (Berg Balance Scale, timed up and go test and 10-m walk). The secondary outcome measure was functional capacity (Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire and the physical function item from the Spanish Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). Results: In all, 103 participants completed the study. The results showed statistically significant improvements in the acupuncture and physiotherapy groups vs. the control group at week 6 regarding Berg Balance Scale ( P = 0.00, both groups), timed up and go test ( P = 0.00 and P = 0.01, respectively) and 10-m walk test at comfortable speed ( P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). The 10-m walk test at maximum speed showed significance when comparing the physiotherapy and control group ( P = 0.03). However, no significant differences were found between the physiotherapy and the acupuncture groups. In relation to functional capacity, the improvements achieved after the treatments were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Core stability-based physiotherapy and acupuncture improve dynamic balance and postural control in women with Fibromyalgia.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Pinto Pereira ◽  
Maria Dilailça Trigueiro de Oliveira Ferreira ◽  
Maria Joana Duarte Caetano ◽  
Rodrigo Vitório ◽  
Ellen Lirani-Silva ◽  
...  

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a long-period multimodal exercise program on balance, mobility and clinical status of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods. Thirty-three PD patients were assigned into two groups: a training group (TG—n=22; aged 67.23±8.39 years) and a control group (CG—n=9; aged 71.56±8.50 years). The TG patients were enrolled in a 6-month multimodal exercise program. This program was designed to improve physical capacity components and to reduce PD impairments. Balance and mobility were assessed immediately before and after the training protocol using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the “Timed up and go” (TUG), and the Posture Locomotion Test (PLM). Also, clinical variables were assessed (disease stage and impairments). Results. The TG showed an improvement in the TUG (P=0.006) while CG were not influenced by the 6-months period. Both groups showed no differences for BBS and PLM and for their disease impairments—assessed through the Unified Parkinson’s disease Scale. Conclusions. Long-term multimodal exercise programs are able to improve mobility of patients with Parkinson’s disease and therefore should be used on clinical day life.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3S) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Buket Kayaoğlu ◽  
İlbilge Özsu

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks Pilates exercises on functional and cognitive performance in elderly people which are living in an elderly care center. Forty three elderly were randomly allocated either to Pilates group (PG, n= 21; mean age, 72.8 ± 7.84 years), which performed three session of Pilates per week for 12 weeks, or to control group (CG, n= 22; mean age, 77.7 ± 7.25 years), which no performed any exercise is except from daily works. Participants tested to handgrip strength, Berg balance scale, Functional reach test and Mini Mental State Examination Test before and after the 12 weeks of exercise. Finally, PG demonstrated improvement in all variables. However, CG has no improvement any variables. Pilates exercises led to significant improvement in functional and cognitive performance. Therefore, elderly people can apply a well-structured Pilates exercise program under Pilates instructor and physiotherapist.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Rajaratnam ◽  
J. Gui KaiEn ◽  
K. Lee JiaLin ◽  
Kwek SweeSin ◽  
S. Sim FenRu ◽  
...  

This randomised controlled and double-blinded pilot study evaluated if interactive virtual reality balance related games integrated within conventional rehabilitation sessions resulted in more superior retraining of dynamic balance compared to CR after stroke. 19 subjects diagnosed with a recent episode of stroke were recruited from a local rehabilitation hospital and randomly assigned to either a control or an experimental group. Subjects in the control groups underwent 60 minutes of conventional rehabilitation while those in the experimental groups underwent 40 minutes of convention rehabilitation and 20 minutes of self-directed virtual reality balanced rehabilitation. Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go, Modified Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, and Centre of Pressure of subjects in both groups were evaluated before and on completion of the rehabilitation sessions. Results indicate that the inclusion of interactive virtual reality balance related games within conventional rehabilitation can lead to improved functional mobility and balance after a recent episode of stroke without increasing treatment time that requires more health professional manpower.


2005 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ro DiBrezzo ◽  
Barbara B. Shadden ◽  
Blake H. Raybon ◽  
Melissa Powers

Loss of balance and falling are critical concerns for older adults. Physical activity can improve balance and decrease the risk of falling. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a simple, low-cost exercise program for community-dwelling older adults. Sixteen senior adults were evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test for measures of functional strength, aerobic endurance, dynamic balance and agility, and flexibility. In addition, measures of height, weight, resting blood pressure, blood lipids, and cognitive function were obtained. Participants then attended a 10-week exercise class including stretching, strengthening, and balance-training exercises. At the completion of the program, significant improvements were observed in tests measuring dynamic balance and agility, lower and upper extremity strength, and upper extremity flexibility. The results indicate that exercise programs such as this are an effective, low-cost solution to improving health and factors that affect falling risk among older adults.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552199331
Author(s):  
Juliana Zonzini Gaino ◽  
Manoel Barros Bértolo ◽  
Caroline Silva Nunes ◽  
Cecília de Morais Barbosa ◽  
Síbila Floriano Landim ◽  
...  

Objectives: To compare balance, foot function and mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with and without foot orthoses. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient rheumatology clinic. Subjects: A total of 94 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis were randomized; of these, 81 were included in the analyses (Intervention group: 40; Control group: 41). Intervention: The Intervention Group received custom-made foot orthoses while the Control Group received none intervention. Main measure: The “Foot Function Index,” the “Berg Balance Scale,” and the “Timed-up-and-go Test” were assessed at baseline an after four weeks. The chosen level of significance was P < 0.05. Results: Average (standard deviation) participant age was 56.7 (±10.6) years old and average disease duration (standard deviation) was 11.4 (± 7.2) years. Groups were similar at baseline, except for comorbidity index and race. After four weeks, significant interaction group versus time was observed for Foot Function Index (change: Intervention group: −1.23 ± 1.58; Control group: −0.12 ± 1.16 – P = 0.0012) and for Berg Balance Scale (change: Intervention group: 2 ± 3; Control group: 0 ± 3 – P = 0.0110), but not for the Timed-up-and-go Test (change: Intervention group: −1.34 ± 1.99; Control group: −0.84 ± 2.29 – P = 0.0799). Conclusion: Foot orthoses improved foot function and balance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.


Author(s):  
Brunelli Stefano ◽  
Gentileschi Noemi ◽  
Iosa Marco ◽  
Fusco Francesca Romana ◽  
Grossi Valerio ◽  
...  

Background: Along with conventional therapy, novel tools are being developed in balance training for the rehabilitation of persons with stroke sequelae. The efficacy of Computerized Balance Training thus far been the object of studies only in persons with chronic stroke. Objective: To investigate the effects of an early Computerized Balance Training on balance, walking endurance and independence in activities of daily living, in persons with mild hemiparesis in subacute phase. Methods: Thirty-two persons with a recent hemiparesis (within 4 weeks from stroke onset), able to maintain a standing position for at least 30 seconds were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The control group (CG) were administered conventional physiotherapy of 40 minutes twice a day, five times a week for 4 weeks, while the experimental group (EG) underwent conventional physiotherapy 40 minutes once a day and Computerized Balance Training once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcomes were evaluated by means of Berg Balance scale (BBS), Tinetti Balance Scale (TBS), Two Minutes Walk Test (2MWT), Barthel Index (BI) and stabilometric tests. Results: Twelve participants for each group completed the training. Each group experienced 8 dropouts. The mean age (years) was 58.1±20.4 for EG and 59.7±14,7 for CG; the days from stroke were respectively 27.9±15.5 and 20±11.7. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant in experimental group for BBS (p = 0.003), for TBS (p = 0.028), for Sensory Integration and Balance tests performed with closed eyes on steady (p = 0.009) or instable surface (p = 0.023). and for 2MWT (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Computerized Balance Training is an effective therapeutic tool for balance and gait endurance improvement in persons with stroke in subacute phase.


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