Abstract:Background: Balance is a fundamental ability of human movement. Aging and all neuromusculoskeletal disorders result in decreased postural control and falls. Therapeutic exercise is an effective tool to improve postural control. Balance exercise programs have proved to be helpful for older adults. This study is to measure the level of physical activity in older adults and determine the effect of a balance exercise program to improve on postural control in older adults.
Objective: The objective of the study is to measure the level of physical activity in older adults and determine the effect of a balance exercise program to improve on postural control in older adults.
Methodology: An interventional study was conducted to find the effectiveness of balance exercise in older adults to improve postural control. Convenient samples of 30 older adults < 50 years with normal BMI were assessed and underwent intervention process based on inclusion criteria. International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess level of physical activity in subjects and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment used before and after exercise program to assess balance &gait. The exercise was given of weekly thrice 1 hour session over a 4 week period.
Result: Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics and paired t tests. Mean and standard deviation of the collected data of POMA are 21.76 +3.69 in before and 26.86 +1.4 in after treatment. The results of IPAQ in collected data are high and moderate level of physical activity. The t tests show significant improvement in pre and post treatment (before and after balance exercise). i.e. POMA – T = 7.921(p=0.000), POMA – G = 4.527(p=0.000) and POMA – B = 9.279(p=0.000).
Conclusion: This study concludes that balance exercise program that improved postural control in older adults with normal BMI. And these interventions are help to reduce the risk of falls. The balance exercise program was given only for 4 week period.