title: Task-specific balance training improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of a 12-week balance training programme on self-assessed function and disability in healthy community-dwelling older adults with self-perceived balance deficits and fear of falling.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Stockholm County, Sweden.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 59 community-dwelling older adults (42 women and 17 men) aged 67-93 were randomized to either an intervention group (n = 38) or to serve as controls (n = 21) after baseline testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intervention was a 12-week, three times per week, progressive, specific and individually adjusted group balance-training programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Self-perceived function and disability measured with Late Life Function and Disability Instrument.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The intervention group reported improvement in overall function (p = 0.016), as well as in basic (p = 0.044) and advanced lower extremity function (p = 0.025) compared with the control group. The study showed no improvement in overall disability or upper extremity function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This group balance training programme improves self-assessed function in community-dwelling older adults with balance deficits and fear of falling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Norway Kirsti.Skavberg.Roaldsen@ki.se.
authors.forename: Kirsti Skavberg
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Roaldsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Physical Therapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Halvarsson
authors.affiliation: Hälso-och sjukvårdsenheten, Vård och Omsorg, Hjo Kommun, Sweden.
authors.forename: Theres
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sahlström
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Physical Therapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Agneta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ståhle
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D013548:Sweden
keywords: Balance deficits; elderly; late life function and disability instrument; training