Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week balance training programme on
self-assessed function and disability in healthy community-dwelling older adults
with self-perceived balance deficits and fear of falling. DESIGN: A prospective,
randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Stockholm County, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: A
total of 59 community-dwelling older adults (42 women and 17 men) aged 67-93 were
randomized to either an intervention group (n = 38) or to serve as controls (n =
21) after baseline testing. INTERVENTION: The intervention was a 12-week, three
times per week, progressive, specific and individually adjusted group
balance-training programme. MAIN MEASURES: Self-perceived function and disability
measured with Late Life Function and Disability Instrument. RESULTS: The
intervention group reported improvement in overall function (p = 0.016), as well
as in basic (p = 0.044) and advanced lower extremity function (p = 0.025)
compared with the control group. The study showed no improvement in overall
disability or upper extremity function. CONCLUSION: This group balance training
programme improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with
balance deficits and fear of falling.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.
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Langue : ANGLAIS