To compare the effectiveness of balance training and conventional exercises for elderly individuals

Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness between Balance Training and Conventional Exercises in elderly individuals. Background: There are number of series health issues in elderly population, in that impaired balance associated with an increased risk of falls which in turn resulting in increased mortality rate of an elderly people. Fall related injuries can cause restricted mobility and functional decline leading to disability and may have a negative effect on the socioeconomic status and quality of life in elderly individuals. Thus, effective balance training and exercises is needed in the fall risk preventive management. Methodology: This study was an experimental study with duration of 8 weeks. 30 subjects with the age group of 65–80 years were randomly selected. This study was done among general populations. Timed Up and Go Test and Berg Balance Scale can be used as outcome measures. Both males and females with Berg Balance Score (Low fall risk) are included. Stroke, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, High risk fall in Berg Balance Score, below 65 and above 80 are excluded. Procedure: 30 Subjects were taken and divided into 2 groups. Group A receives Balance Training and Group B receives Conventional Exercises. In Balance Training (Gait training, Flamingo Stand, Weight Shifting, Clock Reach, Step Up and Down) was given each of 5–8 repetition/session for 8 weeks. Conventional Exercises (Towel Grabbing and Marble Pick Up, Foot Roll, Tandem walking, Toe and Heel Stance, Stepping in all directions) was given each of 10–12 repetition/session for 8 weeks. Pre and post-test measurements were taken and compared. Result: The result was based on the Statistical analysis of the data collected. On comparing the mean values of BBS scores between Group A and Group B both the groups have showed improvement in the post-test mean values but Group A (mean=47.60) showing higher mean value is more effective than the Group B (mean=43.66). On comparing the mean values of TUG scores between Group A and Group B, both the groups showed reduction in the time taken in the post-test mean values but Group A (mean=7.73) showing the higher mean value is more effective than Group B (mean=8.20). Conclusion: This study concludes that the balance training and conventional exercises program had considerable effects in improving the balance among the elderly individuals with balance impairment. However, the balance training Group was considered to be more effective than the conventional exercises program.