Search

Background: Earlier studies have shown that physical exercise and a higher workload increase muscle strength and improve gait and balance at all ages for both sexes. Published studies have, so far, failed to investigate the functional performance of elderly individuals concerning their long-term physical activity and variables of daily living.Objective: To compare elderly women who participate in long-term, moderate exercise programmes with two age-matched groups of women from an urban and a rural community.Methods: All participants answered a questionnaire about health, social circumstances and fractures. We measured the vibration threshold of the lower extremities, bone mineral density of the distal radius and functional performance such as muscle strength, balance and gait.Results: The elderly, active groups performed significantly better in all functional tests and had sustained fewer fractures than the urban control group. When the comparison was made with the rural control group the differences were less obvious. The active group rated their health as better than both the control groups.Conclusion: Elderly women, who continue with moderate exercise programmes over many years, sustain fewer fractures and have better muscle strength, balance, gait and health ratings than women in general. Whether this is the result of the exercise or inherited characters, remains to be proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether vestibular rehabilitation for patients with whiplash-associated disorder and dizziness had any effect on balance measures and self-perceived handicap.Design: Randomized, controlled trial.Subjects: Twenty-nine patients, 20 women and 9 men, age range 22–76 years.Methods: The patients were randomized to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention comprised vestibular rehabilitation. All patients were assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks and after 3 months with 4 different balance measures and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory.Results: After 6 weeks, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared with the control group in the following measures: standing on one leg eyes open (p=0.02), blindfolded tandem stance (p=0.045), Dizziness Handicap Inventory total score (p=0.047), Dizziness Handicap Inventory functional score (p=0.005) and in Dizziness Handicap Inventory physical score (p=0.033). After 3 months, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements compared with the control group in the following measures: standing on one leg eyes open (p=0.000), tandem stance (p=0.033) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory physical score (p=0.04).Conclusion: Vestibular rehabilitation for patients with whiplash-associated disorder can decrease self-perceived handicap and increase postural control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]