Balance Improvements in Independent-Living Elderly Adults Following a 12-Week Structured Exercise Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to validate a comprehensive, functionally oriented exercise program to document any improvement in activity levels and functional capacity (especially balance) in independent-living older adults. Data were collected for 12 weeks on 31 subjects (mean age 84.76 [±4.50]) and 16 controls (mean age 86 [±7.02]). The Berg Balance score in the subjects demonstrated a statistically significant improvement between 0 and 12 weeks (p = 0.003). The controls showed no significant differences in any phase of the program. Perception of balance also improved significantly for the subjects (X ² = 24.53) using the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale.

Keywords:

• exercise
• balance
• confidence