Comparison of the effects of exercise programs in the elderly to prevent falls. ThaLuang Hospital Lopburi Province

Abstract

Objectives : To compare the effects of an exercise program for fall prevention in the elderly

Methods : The current study Quasi experimental research design. Sixty old adults were randomly assigned to either experimental group or control group, accounting for 30 persons for each group. The experimental group received a continuous exercise program twice a week for six weeks, in a total of 12 sessions, while the control group attended the usual service under the fall prevention promotion from geriatric clinics. All participants were assessed for balance using Five sit to stand test (FST) and Time Up and Go test (TUGT)  at baseline after six weeks.Statistics used for analysis in group t-test dependent and between groups t-test independent.

Results : In both groups the duration of FST decreased by less than 10 seconds and that of TUGT test decreased by less thatn 13 seconds after the completion of the program with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). However, when comparing between two groups, the effect score of FST in the experimental group decreased significantly (P<0.05) compared to the counterpart, while that of TUGT in both groups had no significant difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion : The finding suggests that the exercise program was effective in enhancing make muscles to strong fot to balance and could prevent falls in the elderly.