Effectiveness of Multidirectional Stepping Training on Balance among Geriatric Population

Abstract

Background: In order to perform an activity that requires an upright posture, balance is a complex process that involves receiving and integrating the sensory inputs as well as planning and carrying out movements. Falls are frequent among elderly people. An example of home based aerobic activity is multidirectional stepping training.Purpose: To find out the effectiveness of multidirectional stepping training on balance among geriatric population.Materials and Methods: From November 2022 to April 2023, 200 participants were recruited from the Sai Chai Physio Centre, with only 82 participants selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.The subjects were separated into two groups: Group A (n=41) and Group B (n=41).Group A received multidirectional stepping training, whereas Group B received conventional exercise.Both the interventions were given for four weeks, three times a week for 40 minutes.Results: The findings indicated that both the groups showed statistically significant improvement after the interventions in scores of fall efficacy scale and Balance outcome measure for elderly rehabilitation(p<0.005). Multidirectional stepping training showed statistically significant improvement in both the measures.Conclusion: When compared to conventional exercise, multidirectional stepping training is more effective at improving balance.