Comparison of two exercise programs using the falls efficacy scale, berg balance scale and ankle dorsiflexor strength in older adults

Hao Liu, Jacquie Rainey, Reta Zabel, Myles U. Quiben, Anguel Kehayov, John Keith Boswell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two exercise programs with three different measurements (Falls Efficacy Scale-FES, Berg Balance Scale-BBS, and bilateral ankle dorsiflexor strength-ADFS) and to determine if these measurements correlate to each other. Thirteen pairs of subjects residing in a senior living community were recruited and matched for age, gender, and assistive device. The matched subjects were randomly divided into one of two exercise groups-resistance group (RG) provided with the exercise combination of resistance strengthening, balance and gait or seated group (SG) provided with seated range of motion exercise. Eleven pairs completed the 12-week exercise program. The results revealed that subjects in the RG made more improvement in fear of falling, balance, and ankle dorsiflexor strength than those in the SG. The decrease of FES score (fear of falling) is moderately correlated with the increase of BBS (balance) and ADFS scores. The improved BBS is also moderately correlated with the increased ADFS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23-42
Number of pages20
JournalPhysical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics
Volume26
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 9 Oct 2007

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Ankle strength
  • Balance
  • Fear of falling

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