Citation

Smee DJ, Berry HL, Waddington GS, Anson JM. Phys. Occup. Ther. Geriatrics 2014; 32(4): 310-320.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/02703181.2014.934945

PMID

unavailable

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.

Language: en