Abstract

Background: Affected balance is one of the leading causes of falls in elderly. Falls are one of the major problems in the elderly and are considered one of the “Geriatric Giants”. Falls are often caused by a number of factors and may be grouped into intrinsic factors, such as existence of a specific ailment or disease, and external or extrinsic factors includes the environment and the way in which it may encourage or deter accidental falls. Stability trainers provide different sensory feedback. They come in different textures hence can provide different proprioceptive feedback according to requirement for training balance strategies. There is lack of research published previously to assess effect of stability trainer exercises on balance in diabetics, where they have found to show a significant change in balance abilities. Identifying the effect of stability trainers in training balance in elderly can help to address the specific problem of reduced balance and falls in this group more effectively. Hence, taking into consideration the need of the hour, this study is proposed to determine the effects of stability trainer exercise program on balance in elderly.
Objectives: To study the effect of stability trainer exercise program on: Static balance using Single leg stance test (SLS); Dynamic balance using functional reach test (FRT) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test; Static functional tasks using berg balance scale (BBS); Balance confidence using activity specific balance confidence assessment questionnaire (ABC).
Methodology: 41 individuals above the age of 60 without any obvious motor, sensory or neurological deficit were selected. Consent of subject was taken and the format and details of the stability training exercise program was explained to the healthy subjects. Pre intervention evaluation was followed by Implementation of exercise program (4/week→6 weeks). Assessment for post intervention data was carried out after which the collected data was statistically analysed used t-test and Wilcoxin test.
Results: There was a significant difference in the mean SLS time before and after administration of STEP indicated by the p value (p value<0.0001) which is extremely significant. There was a significant difference in the mean FRT and TUG values before and after administration of STEP indicated by the p value (p value<0.0001) which is extremely significant. There was a significant difference in the BBS scores before and after administration of STEP indicated by the p value (p value<0.0001) which is extremely significant. There was a significant difference in the ABC scores before and after administration of STEP indicated by the p value (p value<0.0001) which is extremely significant.
Conclusions: Stability trainer exercise program (STEP) is extremely effective for balance training and improving the quality of life in the elderly.

Keywords: Balance; Elderly; Stability trainer; Exercise