The effects of regular physical activity on functional balance skills and life quality in elderly individuals

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity level (e.g., walking, simple exercises on sports equipment, and brisk walking) on functional balance and quality of life in elderly individuals. Patients and Methods: The study included 60 individuals (28 males, 32 females) over the age of 65 years who engaged in regular physical activity (Group 1, n=30) and sedentary individuals who did not engage in physical activity (Group 2, n=30) between January 2023 and July 2023. Mini Mental State Test (MMST), Fall Efficacy Scale (FES), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Standing on One Leg (TAFS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Elderly (WHOQOL-OLD) were applied to the individuals. Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between Group 1 and Group 2 when their MMST scores were compared (p=0.125). When the relationship between Group 1 and 2 and their balance status was examined, a significant difference was obtained when the results of FES (p=0.001), BBS (p=0.003), TUGT (p=0.014), and TAFS right/left (p=0.003/.004) were analyzed. When the quality of life of Group 1 and Group 2 was evaluated and the subparameters of the WHOQOL-OLD scale used for this purpose were compared, there was a significant difference in autonomy (p=0.001), past, present, and future activities (p=0.001), social participation (p=0.005), and closeness (p=0.013) scores. Conclusion: Regular physical activity was found to be the primary means of health promotion in older adults and an effective intervention to prevent falls, maintain balance, and improve quality of life.