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A Balance-Specific Exercise Intervention Improves Falls Risk but not Total Physical Functionality in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Authors :
Smee, Disa J.
Berry, Helen L.
Waddington, Gordon S.
Anson, Judith M.
Source :
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics. Dec2014, Vol. 32 Issue 4, p310-320. 11p.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this research was to investigate whether a simple balance-specific exercise simultaneously improves physical functionality and falls. Methods: Thirty-two community-dwelling individuals aged 65-92 years were assigned to either the control or wobble-board group. Participants were assessed pre- and postintervention using the Physiological Profile Assessment (a measure of falls risk) and the Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance-10 (a measure of physical functionality). Results: Participants in the intervention group, wobble-board training, had a decrease in their risk of falling by 36% ( p = 0.009, ηρ2 = 0.396), while the control group recorded a slight but nonsignificant increase (6%). No change was seen in their total Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance-10 score. Conclusion: A balance-specific intervention decreased falls-risk and improved balance but not sufficiently to affect total physical functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02703181
Volume :
32
Issue :
4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
99367859
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3109/02703181.2014.934945