Elders’ Exercise and Behavioral Program: Effects on Balance and Fear of Falls

ABSTRACT

Aim: This controlled quasi-experimental study examined the effects of combined behavioral and exercise interventions on balance performance and fear of falls (FoF) among community-dwelling elderly. Methods: A total of 62 elderly (age = 63.5 ± 3.9 years) were divided into three groups, namely, (1) EBG (six-week exercise and five-week behavioral interventions), (2) EG (exercise only), and (3) CG (control). Balance and FoF were measured by the Timed Up and Go test and the modified Falls Efficacy Scales, respectively, at baseline and post-interventions. Results: Significant findings were found in the time effect (F = 40.56, p = 0.00), time and group interactions (F = 51.48, p = 0.00), and between-group effect (F = 20.85, p = 0.00) for balance. Similarly, significant findings were found in the time effect (F = 101.78, p = 0.00), time and group interactions (F = 33.39, p = 0.00), and between-group effect (F = 29.19, p = 0.00) for FoF. EBG showed significantly higher mean changes in both measures. Conclusion: The combination of behavioral and exercise interventions may positively affect balance control and reduce FoF among the elderly.

KEYWORDS.:

• Behavior
• balance
• elderly
• exercise
• fear of falls

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research project was supported by grants from the Research Management Institute Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia (600-RMI/DANA 5/3/RIF (765/2012).

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Azliyana Azizan is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM Puncak Alam Campus. She is a physiotherapist graduate with Bachelor in Physiotherapy. Maria Justine, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Center for Postgraduate Studies at the Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM Puncak Alam Campus. She has authored over 30 publications and scientific conference presentations.