Abstract
The physical ability to maintain balance when moving and the ability to move independently are central requisites for independent living and are thus two important focuses in geriatric rehabilitation. It has been suggested that a decrease in the ability to generate force in the lower extremity muscles contribute to balance impairment and falling. The purpose of this study was to detect balance performance response to improved strength of dorsiflexors muscles in elderly. Fifty healthy elderly subjects, their age ranged 65-75 years, participated in this study. Twenty five subjects (training group) were trained with resisted exercises plus electrical nerve stimulation of ankle dorsiflexors muscles, three times a week for 8 weeks. The control group, included twenty five subjects, received no treatment intervention except encouragement for performing their usual activity of daily living over the 8 weeks of the study. The ankle dorsiflexors muscles force was measured by the hand held dynamometer in Kg and the balance control was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Timed Get Up-Go Test (GUG). These measurements wevr5re applied for both groups before and after 8 weeks. The BBS, FRT and GUG values showed significant changes (12.9%, 35.7% and 51.9% respectively) following training in the trained group. There were no significant changes (0.67%, 6.95% and 14.4%) in the same measures of the control group after 8 weeks. Improved ankle dorsiflexors strength enhances balance performance in elderly
Highlights
Falls are among the most common and serious problems facing elderly persons as 25%–35% of adults aged 65 years and older fall each year [1,2]
Lower extremity strength is a common factor associated with balance impairment in elderly fallers [5].Reduced lower extremity strength has been associated with reductions in gait speed, balance, stair-climbing ability and getting up from a seated position [6]
The mean values of Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and ankle dorsiflexor strength were significantly increase, where Get Up-Go Test (GUG) was significantly decreased in group (A) (Table 2, Figure 2), while changes in group (B) were not significant(Table 3, Figure 3) .; there were significant differences between both groups at the end of the study (Table 3, Figure 3)
Summary
Falls are among the most common and serious problems facing elderly persons as 25%–35% of adults aged 65 years and older fall each year [1,2]. After the age of 75 years, the rates are higher [3]. Falling is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, reduced functioning, loss of independence and premature hospital and geriatric admissions [4]. It can be due to degeneration of visual and vestibular sensory systems, degeneration of proprioception or impairment of central processing or a combination of these factors. Lower extremity strength is a common factor associated with balance impairment in elderly fallers [5].Reduced lower extremity strength has been associated with reductions in gait speed, balance, stair-climbing ability and getting up from a seated position [6]
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