The Effects of 9-Square Exercise on Balance and Fear of falling in the Elderly with Falls Risk: at Junhan district, Roi-et Province

Abstract

Purposes : To study the effects of 9-Square Exercise on Balance and Fear of falling in the Elderly with Falls Risk.

Study design : It is a quasi-experimental study.

Materials and Methods : The sample group consisted of the elderly in the area of ​​responsibility of Changhan Subdistrict, Roi-et Province. A purposive sampling method was used based on specified criteria, with 20 individuals in both the control and experimental groups. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for normally distributed data, while the Pair t-test was used for normally distributed data. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normally distributed data.

Main findings : General information about the sample group, mostly female, aged between 60–70 years, weighing between 51-60 kg. Height is between 151-160 cm. The body mass index is proportionate, most of the sample did not have any chronic diseases and are engaged in agriculture. The elderly participants received a 9-Square Exercise program, which was tested for balance and fear of falling. Before the experiment, there were no differences between the groups, but after the experiment, there were significant differences in the group that received the program, with a notable decrease in average balance and fear of falling (p < .05).

Conclusion and Recommendations : The study results should be used to develop policies for preventing falls in the elderly, reducing the risk of falls, and minimizing the financial burden on families as well as public healthcare costs.