Effects of Home-Based Nine-Square Step Exercises for Fall Prevention in Thai Community-Dwelling Older Adults during a COVID-19 Lockdown: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Disatorn Dejvajara, Ranlaphat Aungkasuraphan, Piyathida Palee, Chanodom Piankusol, Wachiranun Sirikul () and Penprapa Siviroj ()
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Disatorn Dejvajara: Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Ranlaphat Aungkasuraphan: Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Piyathida Palee: Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Chanodom Piankusol: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Wachiranun Sirikul: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Penprapa Siviroj: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-15

Abstract: The deterioration of muscle strength in aging has been associated with fall risks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults were restricted from doing outdoor activities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Nine-Square Step Exercises (NSSE) on improving physical performance and balance in older adults at risk of falling. We conducted an open-labelled, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial in 46 (aged 65–84 years) community-dwelling older adults. They were randomly assigned to an NSSE group ( n = 24) instructed to perform the program for at least 45 days over 8 weeks or a control group ( n = 22). The outcomes were measured by the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand test (FTSS), and hand grip strength during the baseline, 4th and 8th weeks in both groups. A mixed-effect linear regression model analysis was performed to estimate the independent effect of NSSE by the intention-to-treat over the 8-week period. The NSSE group showed significant weekly changes in BBS (β 0.57, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.84), TUG (β −0.44, 95% CI: −0.74, −0.14), and FTSS (β −0.52, 95% CI: −0.78, −0.25), demonstrating beneficial improvements in lower extremity and balance, whereas the control group did not demonstrate significant changes over time in any parameter.

Keywords: nine-square step exercise; fall prevention; community-dwelling older adults; COVID-19 lockdown; Thailand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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