Effect of plantar sensory exercises on balance and fall risk in nursing home elderly

Loss of balance and consequent falls are leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the geriatric population. In terms of ease of application, plantar sensory-based exercises seem to be superior to other balance development exercises. Our study's objective is to examine the effects of plantar sensation education-based exercises on balance and falls.

16 healthy, voluntary nursing home residents with the average age 77.50 ± 5.5. Individuals had plantar sensory exercises 40 min sessions for 3 days/week during eight weeks. The study was planned as a self-controlled prospective study. Functional balance was evaluated using Berg Balance Scale, dynamic balance was evaluated using 30 Second Chair Stand Test, static balance and fall risk were assessed using Biodex Balnce System.

The measurements of static balance and fall tests with the Biodex balance device after 8 weeks of plantar sensation exercises program showed significant improvement compared to the results before the treatment (p < 0.05). The measurements of the Biodex balance device before the treatment were 3.45 ± 2.41, whereas the ones after the treatment showed 2.61 ± 2.18. The result of the fall risk measured by the Biodex balance device was 3.43 ± 3.11 before the treatment, whereas it came out as 2.46 ± 2.02 after the treatment. (p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Static balance and fall risc play a significant role in the well-being of nursing home residents through exercise programs designed for plantar sensation. According to these outcomes, we believe that exercises intended for plantar sensation will be an effective treatment approach in terms of increasing the static balance and decreasing the fall risk with nursing home residents.