A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Enhanced Balance Training Program to Improve Mobility and Reduce Falls in Elderly Patients

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2389.2003.51268.x
• Publication Date: 2004-12-27T08:20:48Z
• Authors: Jayne Steadman; Nora Donaldson; Lalit Kalra
• Keywords: Berg Balance Scale

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of an enhanced balance training program in improving mobility and well‐being elderly people with problems. DESIGN: Prospective, single‐blind, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: District general hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety‐nine patients aged 60 older a Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score less than 45. INTERVENTIONS: Six weeks consisting series repetitive tasks increasing difficulty specific to functional balance. The control group received physiotherapy conforming existing practice MEASUREMENTS: Ten‐meter timed walk test (TWT), BBS, Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), Falls Handicap Inventory (FHI), European Quality Life questionnaire (Euroqol) measured at 6, 12, 24 after intervention. RESULTS: mean age ± standard deviation subjects was 82.7 5.6, baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Both groups showed improvements TWT (intervention: 22.5–16.5 seconds, P = .001; control: 20.5–15.8 .054), BBS 33.3–42.7, 33.4–42.0, < .0001), FAI (18–21, .02 both groups), FHI 31–17, .0001; 33–17, .0001) Euroqol 58–65, .04; 60–65, .07). There no intergroup differences any time. More reported increased confidence walking indoors (36% vs 28%; .04) outdoors (27% 18%; .02) balance‐training group. CONCLUSION: Exercise programs significantly improve problems, independent strategy. Enhanced may, addition, quality life but needs further investigation.