Effect of Progressive Step Marching Exercise on Balance Ability in the Elderly: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial

Pairaya Sitthiracha, Wichai Eungpinichpong and Uraiwan Chatchawan
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Pairaya Sitthiracha: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Wichai Eungpinichpong: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Uraiwan Chatchawan: School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-15

Abstract: Exercise may reduce the risk of falls in the elderly. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of a progressive step marching exercise (PSME) program on balance ability, lower limb muscle strength, aerobic capacity, quality of life, and fear of falling in the elderly. A cluster randomized controlled trial was selected where 30 elderly participants (aged 69 ± 3 years) from a community were supervised while performing a PSME program and 30 (aged 70 ± 3 years) from another community were assigned to a control group. All participants in both groups underwent timed up and go test, one leg standing test, five time sit to stand test, two minutes step test, World Health Organization Quality of Life-Thai version, and fall efficacy scale Thai version at baseline, after exercise at 4 and 8 weeks. The PSME group underwent the program for 8 weeks while those in the control group were instructed to continue their normal activity. After training, the PSME showed significant improvement ( p < 0.05) in all parameters except one leg standing and two minutes step test when compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, the PSME program could improve balance ability, lower limb muscle strength, quality of life, and fear of falling in the elderly.

Keywords: balance exercise; elderly; exercise program; falls prevention exercise (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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