Long-Term Effects of Exercise on Balance and Fear of Falling in Elderly

The Maria Meiwati Widagdo(1), Claudia Bella Laurentia(2), Bagus Anggawaisna Anggawaisna Suryadiningrat(3), Teguh Kristian Perdamaian(4),

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15294/kemas.v19i3.44079


(1) Faculty of Medicine Duta Wacana Christian University
(2) Faculty or Medicine Duta Wacana Christian University
(3) Faculty or Medicine Duta Wacana Christian University
(4) Department of Public Health Faculty of Medicine Duta Wacana Christian University

Abstract

Falls is the main cause of injuries in elderly. Studies on the long-term effects of balance training are still limited. This study aimed to assess the long-term impact of a physical exercise on the balance and fear of falling in community dwelling elderly. This was a quasi-experimental study with pre-post design. The participants were older people ≥60 years with balance problems. They received a one-month physical exercise. The instruments included Functional Reach Test (FRT) to assess balance and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) to assess fear for falling. Assessment was conducted at pre- and post-intervention and two years later. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and linear mixed model regression. Data of 23 participants were analysed. There were significant differences inn FRT and FES-I between pre-and post-intervention, pre-intervention and two years later. There was no significant difference in FRT and FES-I between post-intervention and two years after. There was significant improvement in the balance and fear of falling one month and two years after the program. The balance program had long-term effect that lasted at least for two years. Inclusion of the balance program in community-based health program for elderly can improve balance and prevent falls.

Keywords

elderly; exercise; falls; fear of falling; functional reach test

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References

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