Effects of a Balance Exercise Assist Robot on Older Patients with Hip Fracture: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether exercises using a balance exercise assist robot (BEAR) improved balance function in older patients with a hip fracture whose ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) had almost plateaued. Participants were 27 older patients (3 men, 24 women; mean age 81.0 ± 6.3 years) with a hip fracture whose ability to perform ADL had almost plateaued and who were about to be discharged. All participants performed exercises using the BEAR for 20 min a day, 6 days a week, for 2 weeks before leaving the hospital. We assessed the following at pre- and post-exercise: the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the functional reach test (FRT), the standing test for imbalance and disequilibrium, functional independence measure scores (total and walking ability), preferred gait speed, and muscle strength of the lower extremities. Significant differences were observed between pre- and post-exercise for all measures, including TUG (pre: 21.9 ± 17.7 s, post: 17.4 ± 13.6 s, P < 0.001), BBS (47.0 ± 8.1 points, 50.6 ± 6.3 points, P < 0.001), and FRT (22.4 ± 6.2 cm, 24.8 ± 6.7 cm, P = 0.005). In older patients with hip fracture whose ability to perform ADL has almost plateaued, adding the BEAR exercises to rehabilitation programs could improve balance function better than traditional programs alone. Balance exercises using a robot may be an effective measure to prevent falls at home after a hip fracture.