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Published on: October 6, 2016
A Novel Multisegmental Individual-Based Exercise Approach for Postural Dysfunction and Balance Impairment in Older
Filza Shoukat1, Syed Shakil Ur Rehman1
1Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, 6 M Gulberg III Ferozepur Road Lahore, Lahore, 54600, Pakistan, 92 51591289.
Background:
Age-related decline in mobility and balance substantially increases the risk of falls in older adults. Evidence-based exercise programs are recommended, but their effectiveness requires further evaluation.
Objective:
The study aimed to find out the effectiveness of multisegmental individual-based exercise program (MIBEX) approach for postural dysfunction and balance impairment in older adults.
Methods:
A 2-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with 113 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older (exercise group, n=56; control group, n=57). Participants in the intervention arm received MIBEX, while the control group received postural education via video. Outcomes included the Timed Up and Go test, tragus-to-wall test, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and postural sway, measured at baseline and 3 postintervention time points. Between-group comparisons were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test with effect sizes (r) and 95% CIs.
Results:
Significant between-group differences were observed across all outcomes (P<.01). The exercise group showed improvements in the Timed Up and Go test (median reduction from 15, IQR 13-19 to 10, IQR 8-12 s) compared with controls (15, IQR 13-18 to 12, IQR 10-14 s), with a large effect size (r=0.65, 95% CI 0.45-0.80). Tragus-to-wall test performance improved markedly in the intervention group (median increase from 41, IQR 36-47 to 49, IQR 44-54 cm) versus controls (40, IQR 35-46 to 37, IQR 31-43 cm; r=0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.70). Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test scores declined in controls but improved in the intervention group (r=0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.66). Postural sway demonstrated moderate improvement (r=0.40, 95% CI 0.18-0.58).
Conclusions:
These findings indicate that the MIBEX produced significantly greater improvements in mobility, balance, and postural stability compared with usual care, highlighting its potential as an effective intervention for older adults.
