Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: April | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 265-274
Impact of Group Exercise Programme on Fall Risk in Elderly Individuals: A Pilot Study
Nupoor Kulkarni1, Kalliopi Pouliasi2, Marina Theodoritsi2, Aashirwad Mahajan1, Elias Panagiatopolous3, Subhash Khatri4, Elias Tsepis5
1PhD Research Scholar and Assistant Professor, Dr. APJAK College of Physiotherapy, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Taluka Rahata, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. India.
2Lecturer, School of Health and Welfare, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece.
3Professor, Orthopadic Department, Rehabilitation Clinic of Spinal cord Injuries of University of Patras
4Principal and Professor, Dr. APJAK College of Physiotherapy, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Taluka Rahata, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. India.
5Director and Associate Professor, School of Health and Welfare, Technological educational Institute of Western Greece.
Corresponding Author: Nupoor Kulkarni
ABSTRACT
Background: Around 30% of elderly people over 60 years of age experience a fall each year. The frequency of falls increases with age and frailty level. Therapeutic exercise plays restorative and accommodative role in minimizing loss of stability in the elderly through balance and mobility improvement hence reducing fall risk. This study was aimed to determine the impact of a supervised group exercise programme on fall risk and its modifiable risk factors.
Methods: The pilot randomized controlled trial included 45 elderly individuals over 60 years of age and having increased fall risk. Eligible participants were assigned to group exercise programme or individualized exercise programme. Demographic data, Timed Up and Go test, 5-times sit to stand test, sway index and dynamic postural stability, were assessed before and after 10 weeks of intervention.
Result: Both groups improved in all the outcomes, as shown by the significant intra-group differences in pre- and post-intervention comparisons (p<0.005).There was no significant difference between the experimental and the control groups after the completion of intervention (p>0.005).
Conclusion: Group exercise programme had a positive impact on elderly individuals as it was effective in reducing the fall risk, improving the balance and lower extremity strength after the intervention.
Key words: fall risk, group exercise programme, balance, strength