Citation

Toulotte C, Fabre C, Dangremont B, Lensel G, Thévenon A. Age Ageing 2003; 32(1): 67-73.

Affiliation

Laboratoire d'Etudes de la Motricité Humaine (L.E.M.H.), Faculté des Sciences du Sport et de l'Education Physique, Université de Lille 2, 9 rue de l'Université, 59790 Ronchin, France. xavier.delattre2@libertysurf.fr

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12540351

Abstract

BACKGROUND: to develop a physical training programme to improve balance in dependent, demented, people with a history of falling, and so decrease falls and increase autonomy. METHODS: the study was undertaken on 20 demented elderly people with a history of falling with an average age of 81.4+/-4.7 years and an average mini mental state score of 16.3+/-6.5. They had all passed 'get up and go', 'chair sit and reach', walking speed and static balance tests. They were assigned to a control group or a training group; the latter were trained with two sessions a week for 16 weeks. RESULTS: walking, mobility, flexibility and static balance were significantly improved in the training group (P<0.05), but not in the controls. The trained subjects did not suffer a relapse, while the controls did during the training period. CONCLUSION: the balance of frail, demented, elderly patients with a history of falling can be improved by training.

Language: en