Investigating the Impact of Fall-proof Exercises on the Balance System of Elderly Women With Knee Osteoarthritis
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: ObjectivesThe impairment of balance is a significant complication that affects older people suffering from knee osteoarthritis, potentially leading to falls.This research was conducted to determine the effects of fall-proof exercises on the balance system of older women with knee osteoarthritis. Methods & MaterialsIn 2023, a quasi-experimental intervention with a pre-test-pos-ttest design was conducted on 25 older women aged 60-75, all diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis.They were divided into experimental and control groups.Participants in the experimental group engaged in targeted fall-proof exercises for 8 weeks, three days a week.The control group did not participate in any exercise activities.The mini-balance evaluation systems test (Mini-BESTest) assessed balance indices.Data analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis in SPSS version 26, with the significance level set at 0.05. ResultsThe results showed a significant increase in the total scores of the Mini-BESTest and its three subscales after implementing exercises in the experimental group (F=42.51,P<0.001, η=0.69).However, there was no significant difference in sensory orientation scores between the pretest and posttest assessments in the control groups (P=1.0,Z=0) and the experimental groups (P=0.150,Z=1.41).Additionally, significant differences were observed in the total scores of the Mini-BESTest and its two subscales between the control and experimental groups (F=23.8,P=0.009, η=0.26).However, no significant differences were found in the anticipatory and reactive postural control subscales scores among the experimental groups (P>0.05). ConclusionThe fall-proof exercise program is recommended for coaches and therapists to enhance the balance of elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis.This recommendation is based on its effectiveness and cost-efficiency in not requiring expensive equipment.
Source: Salmand
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402151948