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The effect of a gait and balance training program on an unstable mudflats surface in older adults: A randomized
Junekyung Lee1, Min Ho Chun1, Jiyeon Lee2
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Balance training on an unstable support surface has been known to improve postural control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a gait and balance training program on an unstable mudflats surface in older adults.
Methods:
A total of 28 older people were assigned to participate in a gait and balance training program on an unstable mudflats surface (experimental group) or on firm ground (control group). All participants received the training program for 55 minutes per session, 2 sessions per day for 5 days. The primary outcomes were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and single-leg stance (SLS) test. Secondary outcomes were Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), Motricity Index (MI) of the lower extremities, and medical research council (MRC) scale of lower extremities.
Results:
SLS with eyes open and the MRC of the left and right ankles showed a large effect size whereas the MI of the left and right lower extremities and MRC of the left and right knees showed a medium effect size in the experimental group. Intergroup differences in changes from baseline to after the exercise program included a large effect size of the SLS with eye open and MI of the right lower extremity and a medium effect size of the MI of the left lower extremity and MRC of the right ankle and left hip.
Conclusions:
Muscle strength and balance of older people could be improved with gait and balance training on an unstable mudflat surface.
