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Task-specific balance training improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance
Kirsti Skavberg Roaldsen1, Alexandra Halvarsson2, Theres Sahlström3
1Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Norway Kirsti.Skavberg.Roaldsen@ki.se.
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.
