Citation

Hafstrom A, Malmström EM, Terdèn J, Fransson PA, Magnusson M. Gerontol. Geriatr. Med. 2016; 2: e2333721416644149.

Affiliation

Lund University, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, The Author(s), Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/2333721416644149

PMID

28138495

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess the efficacy of a multimodal balance-enhancing exercise program (BEEP) designed to be regularly self-administered by community-dwelling elderly. The program aims to promote sensory reweighting, facilitate motor control, improve gaze stabilization, and stimulate continuous improvement by being constantly challenging.

METHOD: Forty participants aged 60 to 80 years performed 6 weeks of BEEP training, on average for 16 min four times weekly, in a randomized one-arm crossover design.

RESULTS: One-leg standing time improved 32% with eyes open (EO), 206% with eyes closed (EC) on solid surface, and 54% EO on compliant surface (p <.001). Posturography confirmed balance improvements when perturbed on solid and compliant surfaces with EO and EC (p ≤ .033). Walking, step stool, and Timed Up and Go speeds increased (p ≤ .001), as did scores in Berg Balance and balance confidence scales (p ≤ .018).

DISCUSSION: Multimodal balance exercises offer an efficient, cost-effective way to improve balance control and confidence in elderly.

Language: en

Keywords

elderly; exercise training; one-leg standing time; postural balance; posturography