title: Effectiveness of a balance-training program provided by qualified care workers for community-based older adults: A preliminary study.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a balance-training program provided by qualified care workers (QCWs) to community-based older adults attending day centers. Weekly balance training was conducted by QCWs working at day centers over a 6-month period. Fall risk factors, fear of falling, and physical function were compared between balance-training (n = 22) and control (n = 23) groups at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. Physical function assessments included the following: one-leg standing test, chair-standing test (CST), timed up-and-go test (TUGT), and a lower-extremity muscle strength test (LEST). Participants who underwent balance training significantly improved in the CST and LEST, and had reduced fear and risk of falling compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In the balance-training group, the TUGT was significantly better at 6 months than at baseline (p < 0.05). A balance-training program for community-dwelling older adults can be effectively implemented by QCWs.
authors.affiliation: Geriatric Health Services Facility, Gaianosato, 2314-1 Otsu, Aino-cho, Unzen, Nagasaki 854-0302, Japan; Department of Locomotive Rehabilitation Science, Unit of Rehabilitation Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan.
authors.forename: Tatsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hirase
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan. Electronic address: shigeru@nagasaki-u.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Shigeru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Inokuchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan.
authors.forename: Nobuou
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Matsusaka
authors.affiliation: Department of Locomotive Rehabilitation Science, Unit of Rehabilitation Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8520, Japan.
authors.forename: Minoru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Okita
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Balance training; Older adults; Qualified care workers