The Effects of Electrical Stimulation Program on Navicular Height, Balance, and Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Elderly

Juntip Namsawang, Pornpimol Muanjai, Nongnuch Luangpon and Sirirat Kiatkulanusorn
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Juntip Namsawang: Department of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
Pornpimol Muanjai: Department of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
Nongnuch Luangpon: Department of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
Sirirat Kiatkulanusorn: Department of Physical Therapy, Allied Health Sciences Faculty, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-9

Abstract: Introduction: Intrinsic foot muscle weakness is a crucial cause of balance deficit in the elderly, which leads to a limited range of motion from the fear of falling and subsequently decreases the quality of life. Muscle strengthening via transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is an effective intervention; however, its effects on elderly people have rarely been reported. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of TENS on navicular height, balance, and fear of falling. Method: In this study, forty-eight participants aged 65–75 years were included and were randomly divided into two groups: the TENS and control groups. Before and after 4 weeks of training, navicular height, balance, and fear of falling were measured. Result: After 4 weeks of training, navicular height significantly increased in both groups ( p < 0.05); however, the increase was higher in the TENS group ( p = 0.035). The TENS group had a better improvement in balance in all four directions—front, back, left, and right ( p < 0.05). However, postural balance improvements in the control group were observed in three directions only—front, back, and left ( p < 0.05)—without any significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, the TENS group decreased the scale of fear of falling after 4 weeks of training ( p = 0.039). Conclusion: In summary, the results of this study can be used as part of the muscle strengthening via ES for decreasing the risk of falls or fear of falling in the elderly.

Keywords: electrical stimulation; navicular; balance; fear of falling; elderly (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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