Effect of a group-based exercise program on balance in elderly.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of 8-week group functional balance training classes on balance outcomes in community-dwelling veterans at risk for falls.


METHODS
Pre-test, post-test using retrospective data.


METHODS
VISN 8 Patient Safety Center at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, FL, USA.


METHODS
Fifty one community living veterans with mean age of 78 at risk for falls.


METHODS
Participants received a weekly 1-hour functional balance training class for 8 weeks in a small group setting (4-5 participants).


METHODS
Pre and post intervention measures included Berg Balance Scale, Limits of Stability (LOS) and modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB).


RESULTS
Eighty four percent of the participants completed 5 or more weekly classes. Peripheral neuropathy was the most common risk factor among the participants. There was a significant improvement in the Berg (p < 0.0001) and Composite Reaction Time (p < 0.0004) after the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
An eight week group functional balance training class was safe and effective in improving balance outcomes in a cohort of elderly veterans at risk for falls.
Bulat
Tatjana
T
VISN 8 Patient Safety Center, James A. Haley VA Hospital, 11605 North Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33612, USA. tatjana.bulat@va.gov
Hart-Hughes
Stephanie
S
Ahmed
Shahbaz
S
Quigley
Pat
P
Palacios
Polly
P
Werner
Dennis C
DC
Foulis
Philip
P
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies