Effects of balance training on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older adult patients with heart failure: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

The potential of the effect of balance training on improving cognitive functions and functional activities in vulnerable groups, including the older adults with heart failure (HF), is unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a simple balance training supervised by nurses on cognitive functions and activities of daily living (ADLs) of the older adults with HF. In this clinical trial study, 75 older adults with HF were allocated to two groups of balance training (BT) and usual care (UC) using stratified block randomization. The intervention consisted of a set of dynamic and static BT, 4 times/session per week, each session lasting 30min, for 8weeks, which was performed at the participant's home under the supervision of a nurse. For the control group, UC was provided. The outcomes of the study, including cognitive function, basic ADLs, and instrumental ADLs (IADLs), were measured by the Montreal cognitive assessment-basic (MoCA-B), Barthel index-ADL, and Lawton scale-IADL before and after the intervention. The between-group analysis showed, in two groups, a statistically significant difference between the changes in the mean scores: all subscales of cognitive function and MoCA-B total score (P < 0.001), as well as basic ADLs and IADLs (P < 0.001), before and after the intervention. Compared with the control group/UC, the cognitive function, basic ADL, and IADL of the intervention group/BT were improved significantly at 8weeks. The results suggested that home-based balance training led by nurse can improve global cognitive function and basic ADL and IADL in the older adults with HF. Clinical trials registration number IRCT20150919024080N18.