Comparing the effects of balance training with and without cognitive tasks on the quality of life and balance performance in community-dwelling older adults: a single-blind randomized clinical trial
Background: Aging process can deteriorate the ability to maintain balance, specifically under dual-task conditions. Thus far, different methods of exercises therapy have been applied to improve balance performance of older adults. The present study was designed to compare the effects of two proto...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
2016-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences and Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://jrsr.sums.ac.ir/index.php/jrsr/article/view/167/106 |
| Summary: | Background: Aging process can deteriorate the ability to maintain balance,
specifically under dual-task conditions. Thus far, different methods of exercises
therapy have been applied to improve balance performance of older adults. The
present study was designed to compare the effects of two protocols of balance
training on the quality of life (QoL) and balance performance in older adults
with mild balance impairments.
Methods: Twenty-four older adults over 60 years old were allocated randomly
into single-task (n=12) and dual-task (n=12) exercise groups. Single-task group
received routine balance exercises, over a four-week period and dual-task group
was treated by the same exercise program plus a cognitive task. QoL and balance
status were assessed by the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Fullerton
Advanced Balance scale (FAB) questionnaires, before and after the interventions.
Results: After four weeks of training, balance performance and some factors
of QoL improved significantly in both groups (P<0.05). However, there were no
significant differences in any of the variables between the two groups.
Conclusion: Balance exercises, under both single- and dual-task conditions can
improve the balance level and some aspects of QoL in older adults with mild
balance impairments, with no priority of one group over another. |
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| ISSN: | 2345-6159 2345-6159 |