EFFECT OF 4 WEEK SIMPLE BALANCE EXERCISE ON BALANCE ABILITY IN THAI ELDERLY

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of 4 weeks balance training program by using simple daily activity living exercise training program on balance ability in Thai elderly person. Forty two participants (36 females and 6 males) were randomly divided into two groups: training (n=21) and control group (n=21). In exercise group, simple balance training was performed at nursing home and controlled by the researcher. Participants were trained once per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. In control group, participants were asked to maintain their normal physical activities throughout the experimental period. The two groups of subjects were assessed their balance abilities using single leg balance time test (SLBT) and 3-m timed up and go test, (TUGT) at pre- and post- training program. Balance ability was compared between exercise and control group using Mann-Whitney U test. Within group comparison was used Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank test. The level of statistically significant difference for all analyses was set at p-value less than 0.05. The results found that after 4 weeks, the improvement of balance abilities was demonstrated by increment of SLBT and decrement of TUGT in exercise group (P < 0.05). Moreover subjects in exercise group achieved significantly higher of percent change in the balance ability than subject in control group (P < 0.05). The present study indicated that the designed balance training program used in this study has shown successful effects on improving balance ability for the elderly to prevent falls. Since its ease to use and simply to perform anywhere, anytime in every household, therefore this program should be recommend for the elderly people.

(Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2015;15(1): 203-211 )