%0 Journal Article
%T Task-specific balance training improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling: a randomized controlled trial
%J Clinical rehabilitation
%D 2014
%A Roaldsen, Kirsti Skavberg
%A Halvarsson, Alexandra
%A Sahlström, Theres
%A Ståhle, Agneta
%V 28
%N 12
%P 1189-1197
%X OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week balance training programme on self-assessed function and disability in healthy community-dwelling older adults with self-perceived balance deficits and fear of falling. <br><br>DESIGN: A prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Stockholm County, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 59 community-dwelling older adults (42 women and 17 men) aged 67-93 were randomized to either an intervention group (n = 38) or to serve as controls (n = 21) after baseline testing. INTERVENTION: The intervention was a 12-week, three times per week, progressive, specific and individually adjusted group balance-training programme. MAIN MEASURES: Self-perceived function and disability measured with Late Life Function and Disability Instrument. <br><br>RESULTS: The intervention group reported improvement in overall function (p = 0.016), as well as in basic (p = 0.044) and advanced lower extremity function (p = 0.025) compared with the control group. The study showed no improvement in overall disability or upper extremity function. <br><br>CONCLUSION: This group balance training programme improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I SAGE Publishing
%@ 0269-2155
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269215514534087