Effectiveness of Sensory Motor Training Program in Community Dwelling Elderly Individuals with History of Fall

Abstract

Background: Falls are major source of death and injury in elderly population. Physiological age related changes in somatosensory, vestibular and visual systems are well documented in older adults. These changes coupled with age related changes in muscle and bones to contribute to an increased risk of falls. The prevalence of fear of falling in community-living elderly ranges between 12% and 65%, and is higher in women than men, commonly occurs after falls, but also occurs without a previous history of fall. Aim and objectives: To study and determine the effectiveness of sensory motor training program in community dwelling elderly individuals with history of fall. Methodology: Sixty community dwelling elderly individuals were selected from geriatric home care, and study group were form by using purposive sampling. The group under gone sensory motor training program and evaluated on the basis of Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES) and Quality of Life (QoL). Intervention used to improve balance consisting of a 45 min. to 1-hour session three times a week. Results: Total 58.33% of patients show, one fall in previous year while 41.67% of patients show two falls in previous year. The mean of BBS at baseline was 39.95 ± 6.32, the mean of BBS at 3 months was 46.21 ± 4.66 and the mean of BBS at 6 months was 43.63 ± 5.10, which is statistically significant (p<0.0001). The mean of MFES at baseline was 4.92 ± 0.39, the mean of MFES at 3 months was 5.71 ± 0.53 and the mean of MFES at 6 months was 5.34 ± 0.51, which is statistically significant (P>0.0001). And finally, for the mean of QoL at baseline was 3.61 ± 0.46, the mean of QoL at 3 month was 4.36 ± 0.42 and the mean of QoL at 6 month was 4.06 ± 0.40, which is statistically significant (p>0.0001). Conclusion: Effect of sensory motor training program shown improvement in balance, reduction in fear of fall, improves quality of life and also helps to prevent fall in community dwelling elderly individuals with history of fall.