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Improved balance confidence and stability for elderly after 6 weeks of a multimodal self-administered balance-enhancing exercise program: a randomized single arm crossover study
Hafstrom A, Malmstrom E-M, Terden J, Fransson P-A, Magnusson M
Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine 2016 Apr 26;2(2333721416644149):Epub
clinical trial
3/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: No; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

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 < 0.001). Posturography confirmed balance improvements when perturbed on solid and compliant surfaces with EO and EC (p < 0.033). Walking, step stool, and Timed Up and Go speeds increased (p < 0.001), as did scores in Berg Balance and balance confidence scales (p < 0.018). DISCUSSION: Multimodal balance exercises offer an efficient, cost-effective way to improve balance control and confidence in elderly.

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