Physical Activity Intervention for Balance and Fall Prevention in Elderly.
Bondén, Alexander; Masieri, Luca Francesco (2021)
Bondén, Alexander
Masieri, Luca Francesco
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202104024165
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202104024165
Tiivistelmä
The Finnish population is rapidly aging. It is estimated that by 2050 the number of Finnish citizens over 65 years old will represent about 30% of the whole population.
Aging is related to a progressive decrease in overall physiological component including muscle strength. Moreover, this loss of lower extremities strength is considered to lead to a higher risk of falls among elderly.
The rate of falls, fall-related injuries, and fall-associated costs continue to increase along with the rise of the aging population. Community-based fall prevention interventions for the elderly are surging, in an attempt to address this health burden.
Prevention strategies vary widely in their aim, ranging from single intervention program to comprehensive multifactorial strategies among groups of community-dwelling elderly adults.
The purpose of this Bachelor thesis was to develop an evidence-based training program for elderly with focus on balance. The main research question of this thesis was “How a Multicomponent Physical Exercise Program (MPEP) can affect fall-related physical performance including balance, muscle strength and gait in older people?”
The aim of this study was also to raise awareness about the existence of fall among elderly in the community of Satakunta, and the potential positive impact that physical activity can have in order to prevent these events.
In addition, the whole project can function as a beneficial tool for the authors of this thesis in their future working life as physiotherapist.
Seven community living residents of the Satakunta region in Finland (mean age = 68 years old) with specific fall risk factors (i.e., fear of falling, history of falls or impaired gait or balance) were assigned to a 10 weeks group exercise program (n=20).
The 60-minutes exercise sessions were held twice a week, Monday and Friday from 8th of June to 17th August 2020 focused on increasing strength and balance.
The outcome measurements included three physical performance tests, namely: the Timed up and Go Test, the 30 Seconds Chair Stand Test and the 4 Stage Balance Test. The aim was to assess Gait Speed, Strength and Balance among the participants.
Exercisers showed postintervention improvement in measurements of gait speed by 16,1%, lower limb strength by 19,6% and static balance by 23%.
The authors realized that a MPEP can affect fall-related physical performance such as strength in lower limb and balance with this sample of people. The data collected do also reinforce the notion that a MPEP is a safe and effective way to increase physiological components such muscle strength in this population.
This study provided an effective, evidence-based falls prevention program that can be implemented in community settings to improve physical fitness and might reduce fall risks among this sample group.
Aging is related to a progressive decrease in overall physiological component including muscle strength. Moreover, this loss of lower extremities strength is considered to lead to a higher risk of falls among elderly.
The rate of falls, fall-related injuries, and fall-associated costs continue to increase along with the rise of the aging population. Community-based fall prevention interventions for the elderly are surging, in an attempt to address this health burden.
Prevention strategies vary widely in their aim, ranging from single intervention program to comprehensive multifactorial strategies among groups of community-dwelling elderly adults.
The purpose of this Bachelor thesis was to develop an evidence-based training program for elderly with focus on balance. The main research question of this thesis was “How a Multicomponent Physical Exercise Program (MPEP) can affect fall-related physical performance including balance, muscle strength and gait in older people?”
The aim of this study was also to raise awareness about the existence of fall among elderly in the community of Satakunta, and the potential positive impact that physical activity can have in order to prevent these events.
In addition, the whole project can function as a beneficial tool for the authors of this thesis in their future working life as physiotherapist.
Seven community living residents of the Satakunta region in Finland (mean age = 68 years old) with specific fall risk factors (i.e., fear of falling, history of falls or impaired gait or balance) were assigned to a 10 weeks group exercise program (n=20).
The 60-minutes exercise sessions were held twice a week, Monday and Friday from 8th of June to 17th August 2020 focused on increasing strength and balance.
The outcome measurements included three physical performance tests, namely: the Timed up and Go Test, the 30 Seconds Chair Stand Test and the 4 Stage Balance Test. The aim was to assess Gait Speed, Strength and Balance among the participants.
Exercisers showed postintervention improvement in measurements of gait speed by 16,1%, lower limb strength by 19,6% and static balance by 23%.
The authors realized that a MPEP can affect fall-related physical performance such as strength in lower limb and balance with this sample of people. The data collected do also reinforce the notion that a MPEP is a safe and effective way to increase physiological components such muscle strength in this population.
This study provided an effective, evidence-based falls prevention program that can be implemented in community settings to improve physical fitness and might reduce fall risks among this sample group.