Effect of Acupressure on Dynamic Balance in Elderly Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

Background

Balance disorders are common in the elderly and are a major cause of falls. This study aimed to determine the effect of acupressure on dynamic balance in elderly women.

Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 72 elderly women in Qazvin, Iran. The intervention group received rotary massage using the thumb at the pressure points for 4 weeks, 3 times a week for 20 minutes each session. Dynamic balance in both groups was measured before, 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention using timed up and go test and the step test. Data were analyzed using two way repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

The mean age of participants was 67.34 ± 6.30 with a range of 60 to 80 years old. The results showed statistically significant improvement in the dynamic balance quantified by timed up and go test (%Δ = 26.53) and step test for the right (%Δ = 35.22) and left (Δ% = 32.62) legs (p < .001). However, in the control group, no significant change was observed in the dynamic balance after completion of the program.

Conclusion

The results support that acupressure therapy can be an effective, safe, and inexpensive method to improve the dynamic balance and maintain maximum autonomy of the elderly.

Acknowledgments

This study is the result of a master’s thesis. The authors would like to thanks the officials of the university, the officials, and employees of the Qazvin daily centers and all the colleagues and elders who helped us to conduct this study.

Disclosure Statement

There is not any conflict of interest.