Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Kinesiophobia and Balance in Geriatric Population

Abstract

Background: The ageing process reduces sensory and motor capabilities such as balance & also increases the fear of movement, resulting in a high number of falls among the elderly. Some therapeutic interventions can directly interrupt this process and improves balance and kinesiophobia. This study examines the effect of proprioceptive training on both. Objective: To determine the effect of proprioceptive training on kinesiophobia and balance in geriatric population. Methodology: A random sample consisting of 17 community dwelling elderly participants were recruited from an old age home in Indore. The inclusion criteria were people aged 60 and above, with a history of fall. All the participants were trained under a 6 week proprioception training program using Swiss ball . The proprioceptive exercises were progressed according to the participant’s response. Participants were evaluated pre and post intervention for kinesiophobia using Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and for Balance using Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Result: Pre and post intervention comparison of TAMPA shows an average improvement of 18 with t value 33.613, p <0.05, which shows a significant decrease in kinesiophobia after the treatment. Pre and post intervention comparison of BBS shows an average improvement of 14.941 with t value 28.465, p <0.05, which shows a significant improvement in balance after the treatment. Conclusion: The study provides evidence for the efficacy of proprioception training on Kinesiophobia and Balance in geriatric population. KEY WORDS: Kinesiophobia, Balance, Proprioception Training, Geriatric Population.