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Balance training reduces fear of falling and improves dynamic balance and isometric strength in institutionalised older people: A randomised trial
Gusi, Narcis Adsuar, Jose Carmelo Corzo, Héctor del Pozo Cruz, Borja Olivares, Pedro R. Parraca, Jose A.
Gusi, Narcis
Adsuar, Jose Carmelo
Corzo, Héctor
del Pozo Cruz, Borja
Olivares, Pedro R.
Parraca, Jose A.
Abstract
Question What is the effect of a balance training protocol with the Biodex Balance System in institutionalised older people with fear of falling? Design Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation and assessor blinding. Participants Forty older people who lived in a nursing home and had fear of falling. Intervention The experimental group completed a 12-week balance training protocol based on balancing/rebalancing training with the Biodex Balance System, with two sessions per week. During the training period, participants in both groups received the same multidisciplinary care (such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing) that they usually received in the nursing home. Outcome measures The primary outcome was fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale International questionnaire). Secondary outcomes were dynamic balance (Fall Risk Test) and isometric strength (torque of knee flexor and extensor isometric strength measured with an isokinetic dynamometer). Outcome measures were taken before and after the training program protocol. Results Compared to the control group, the exercise group had significantly greater improvements at 12 weeks in fear of falling (by 8 points, 95% CI 4 to 12), in dynamic balance (by 2 degrees, 95% CI 1 to 3), and in isometric strength of the knee flexors (by 7 Nm, 95% CI 3 to 11) and knee extensors (by 7 Nm, 95% CI 1 to 13). Conclusion The training program was feasible and effective in reducing fear of falling and improving dynamic balance and isometric strength in institutionalised older people with fear of falling. Trial registration ISRCTN21695765.
Keywords
balance, fear of falling, ageing, elderly, nursing homes
Date
2012
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Physiotherapy
Book
Volume
58
Issue
2
Page Range
97-104
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
File Access
Controlled