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Effect of a home exercise program on dynamic balance in elderly with a history of falls
Olson SL, Chen S-S, Wang C-Y
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 2011 Oct;19(4):291-305
clinical trial
6/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: To determine exercise efficacy in improving dynamic balance in community-dwelling elderly with a fall history. METHODS: Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to a treatment (TG; n = 19, 77 +/- 7 yr) or control group (CG; n = 16, 75 +/- 8 yr). The TG received an individualized home exercise program, and the CG received phone calls twice per week for 12 weeks. Participants' dynamic-balance abilities -- directional control (DC), endpoint excursion (EE), maximum excursion (ME), reaction time (RT), and movement velocity (MV) -- were measured using the Balance Master at 75% limits of stability. Functional reach (FR) was also measured. RESULTS: At 12 weeks the TG demonstrated significant improvements in DC (p < 0.0025), EE (p < 0.0005), and ME (p < 0.0005), but the CG did not. No significant group differences were found for MV, RT, or FR. CONCLUSIONS: Excursion distances and directional control improved but not reaction time, suggesting that exercises requiring quick responses may be needed.

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