TY - JOUR PY - 2014// TI - Task-specific balance training improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling: a randomized controlled trial JO - Clinical rehabilitation A1 - Roaldsen, Kirsti Skavberg A1 - Halvarsson, Alexandra A1 - Sahlström, Theres A1 - Ståhle, Agneta SP - 1189 EP - 1197 VL - 28 IS - 12 N2 - 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.

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.

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.

CONCLUSION: This group balance training programme improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0269-2155 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269215514534087 ID - ref1 ER -