Specific effects of balance and gait exercises on physical function among the frail elderly The comparative ability of eight functional mobility tests for predicting falls in community-dwelling older people. Can the control of bodily orientation be significantly improved in a group of older adults with a history of falls? A CLINICAL TRIAL OF STRENGTHENING AND AEROBIC EXERCISE TO IMPROVE GAIT AND BALANCE IN ELDERLY MALE NURSING HOME RESIDENTS A Randomized Trial to Measure the Impact of a Community-Based Cognitive Training Intervention on Balance and Gait in Cognitively Intact Black Older Adults Psychometric comparisons of the timed up and go, one-leg stand, functional reach, and Tinetti balance measures in community-dwelling older people. Balance and Posture in the Elderly: An Analysis of a Sensorimotor Rehabilitation Protocol Impact of the combination of cognitive and balance training on gait, fear and risk of falling and quality of life in seniors with mild cognitive impairment. Rollator use adversely impacts on assessment of gait and mobility during geriatric rehabilitation. Quantitative gait analysis under dual-task in older people with mild cognitive impairment: a reliability study A comparison of four functional tests in discriminating fallers from non-fallers in older people Balance training and exercise in geriatric patients. Multifactorial Intervention with Balance Training as a Core Component Among Fall‐prone Older Adults Assessing recurrent fall risk of community-dwelling, frail older veterans using specific tests of mobility and the physical performance test of function. The effectiveness of a combined exercise intervention on physical fitness factors related to falls in community-dwelling older adults Further validation of the Elderly Mobility Scale for measurement of mobility of hospitalized elderly people Effects of Feldenkrais exercises on balance, mobility, balance confidence, and gait performance in community-dwelling adults age 65 and older.
Objective : To evaluate the specific effects of balance and gait exercises among frail elderly individuals . Design : A r and omized three-group parallel controlled study . Setting : Geriatric health services facility in Japan . Subjects : Thirty-four frail elderly subjects attending the care facility were r and omized into a control group , an exercise group with emphasis on balance or an exercise group with emphasis on gait re-education . Interventions : The two exercise groups received balance or gait exercise for 40 minutes , 2–3 times weekly , for 12 weeks . Main outcome measures : One Leg St and ing Test , Functional Reach Test , Manual Perturbation Test , Functional Balance Scale , Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment , Timed ‘ Up and Go ’ Test and Stair Climbing/Descending Test . These assessment s were performed before and after 12-week intervention . Results : Comparison of the performance before and after intervention demonstrated significant improvement in One Leg St and ing Test , Functional Reach Test and Functional Balance Scale in the balance exercise group , and Functional Balance Scale , Timed ‘ Up and Go ’ Test and Stair Descending Test showed improvement in the gait exercise group . All test items showed no significant differences in the control groups . Among the three groups , the balance exercise group showed more significant improvement in Functional Balance Scale , and the gait exercise group showed more significant improvement in Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment than the control group . The balance exercise group showed greater improvement in performance in Functional Reach Test than the gait exercise group . Conclusions : Balance exercises led to improvements in static balance function , and gait exercises result ed in improvements to dynamic balance and gait functions in the very frail elderly BACKGROUND numerous tests have been suggested as fall risk indicators . However , the validity of these assessment s has not been demonstrated in large representative sample s of community-dwelling older people . OBJECTIVE the objective of this study was to examine the comparative ability and clinical utility of eight mobility tests for predicting multiple falls in older community-dwelling people . METHODS design -- prospect i ve cohort study ; subjects--362 subjects aged 74 - 98 years ; measurements --the sit-to-st and test with one and five repetitions , the pick-up-weight test , the half-turn test , the alternate-step test ( AST ) , the six-metre-walk test ( SMWT )  and  stair ascent and descent tasks . Falls were monitored for 1 year with fall calendars . RESULTS in the 12-month follow-up period , 80 subjects ( 22.1 % ) suffered two or more falls . Multiple fallers performed significantly worse than non-multiple fallers in the sit-to-st and test with five repetitions ( STS-5 ) , the AST , the  half-turn test  , the  SMWT  and the stair-descent test .  When dichotomised using cut-off points from receiver-operated characteristics ( ROC ) curve analyses , these tests demonstrated reasonable sensitivity and specificity in identifying multiple fallers . A principal components analysis identified only one factor underlying the mobility tests . Poor performances in two mobility tests , however , increased the risk of multiple falls more than poor performance in one test alone ( ORs = 3.66 , 95 % CI = 1.44 , 9.27 and 1.61 , 95 % CI = 0.62 , 4.16 respectively ) . CONCLUSIONS the mobility tests appear to be measuring a similar ' mobility ' construct . Based on feasibility and predictive validity , the AST , STS-5 and SMWTs were the best tests OBJECTIVE To determine the short-term effectiveness of a biofeedback-based , computerized intervention that applied the principles of the ecological theory of perception and control of bodily orientation to the rehabilitation of older adults with a history of falling . PARTICIPANTS Forty-five older adults ( X = 78.5 years ) with a history of falls were assigned to either a control ( n = 21 ) or intervention group ( n = 24 ) . DESIGN A 2 x 2 ( Group x Time ) mixed factorial design with repeated measures on the second factor . SETTING A motor control research laboratory in a university setting . MEASUREMENT Impairments in multiple dimensions of balance ( i.e. , dynamic postural control and sensory organization ) were measured before and after an 8-week balance intervention using the 100 % Limits of Stability Test and Sensory Organization Test . More functional limitations in balance and /or mobility were measured using two clinical tests : Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test . MAIN RESULTS Repeated measures multivariate analyses and follow-up testing indicated significant improvements in the dynamic balance and sensory integration capabilities in the case of the intervention group only ( P < .03 ) . Significant improvements were also observed in the two clinical measures of balance and mobility evaluated before and after the intervention for the intervention group only . CONCLUSIONS Theory-driven rehabilitation programs that focus on manipulating individual , task , and environmental constraints concurrently can significantly improve the control of bodily orientation of older adults with a previous history of falls in both static and dynamic action environments . Moreover , the significant improvements in functional performance observed for the intervention group suggest that interventions emphasizing task-specific practice are not the only means by which an older adult 's ability to perform daily activities requiring postural control can be improved The purpose of this study was to determine whether a moderate to high intensity strengthening and aerobic exercise program can improve the strength , exercise capacity , gait and balance of deconditioned male nursing home residents . Ambulatory subjects who scored 30 or less on the modified Tinetti gait and balance assessment scale , who demonstrated less than 80 % of age-matched lower extremity strength on isokinetic muscle testing and who gave informed consent were enrolled . Subjects were r and omized to either an  exercise ( n = 8) or a  control ( n = 6 ) group . All participants underwent an exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake ( Vo2max ) and received quantitative gait and balance measurements . The subjects assigned to the exercise group then completed a 12-wk program of weight training for the lower extremities and stationary cycling . Both the exercise and control groups were then retested . Ten outcome variables were assessed : Tinetti mobility scores , Vo2max , isokinetic-tested lower extremity strength and endurance , stride length , gait velocity , stance time , gait duration , cadence and balance . The exercise group , after completion of the program , demonstrated significant improvements in Tinetti mobility scores ( P < 0.05 ) , combined right and left quadricep muscle strength ( P < 0.01 ) , right and left lower extremity muscular endurance ( P < 0.01 ) , left stride length and gait velocity ( P < 0.05 ) , although other outcome variables changed insignificantly . The control group revealed no changes of significance with the exception of improvement of the combined right and left hamstring muscle strength ( P < 0.05 ) . Nevertheless , for those outcome variables that had improved significantly in the exercise group , the changes amounted to only a 5 to 10 % increase over the baseline measurements . These findings showed that an appropriately design ed high intensity exercise program can result in significant although limited improvements for clinical mobility scores , strength , muscular endurance and certain gait parameters Introduction . Fall prevention is important for maintaining mobility and independence into old age . Approaches for reducing falls include exercise , tai chi , and home modifications ; however , causes of falling are multifactorial and include not just physical but cognitive factors . Cognitive decline occurs with age , but older adults with the greatest declines in executive function experience more falls . The purpose of this study was twofold : to demonstrate the feasibility of a community-based cognitive training program for cognitively intact Black older adults and to analyze its impact on gait and balance in this population . Method . This pilot study used a pretest/posttest r and omized trial design with assignment to an intervention or control group . Participants assigned to the intervention completed a computer-based cognitive training class that met 2 days a week for 60 min over 10 weeks . Classes were held at senior/community centers . Primary outcomes included balance as measured by the Berg Balance Scale ( BBS ) , 10-meter gait speed , and 10-meter gait speed under visuospatial dual-task condition . All measures were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention . Results . Participants were community-dwelling Black adults with a mean age of 72.5 and history of falls ( N = 45 ) . Compared to controls , intervention participants experienced statistically significant improvements in BBS and gait speed . Mean performance on distracted gait speed also improved more for intervention participants compared to controls . Conclusion . Findings from this pilot r and omized trial demonstrate the feasibility of a community-based cognitive training intervention . They provide initial evidence that cognitive training may be an efficacious approach toward improving balance and gait in older adults known to have a history of falls OBJECTIVES To compare the practicality , reliability , validity , and responsiveness of the timed up and go ( TUG ) , one-leg st and ( OLS ) , functional reach ( FR ) , and Tinetti balance ( TB ) performance measures in people aged 65 and older . DESIGN A prospect i ve study . SETTING Shin-Sher Township of Taichung County , west- central Taiwan . PARTICIPANTS Twelve hundred community-dwelling older people . MEASUREMENTS During an initial assessment at their residences , participants were interviewed for demographics , cognition , fall history , use of a walking aid , and activities of daily living ( ADLs )  , in addition to completing the four balance tests . Falls were ascertained by telephone every 3 months for a 1-year follow-up ; the four balance measures and ADLs were also reassessed at the end of the follow-up year . RESULTS Of the four balance measures , the OLS had the lowest participation rate , and participation of people who were cognitively impaired had fallen in the previous year , used a walking aid , or suffered from an ADL disability was lower than for their counterparts . The time to complete the tests ranged from 58 seconds for OLS , to 160 seconds for the TB . All four balance measures exhibited excellent test-retest reliability and discriminant validity but poor responsiveness to fall status . The TB showed better discriminant , convergent , and predictive validities and responsiveness to ADL changes than the other three tests . CONCLUSION According to psychometric properties , the most suitable performance measure for evaluating balance in community-dwelling older people was the TB , followed by the TUG Regular training programs are a concrete means to prevent and /or reduce functional decline due to aging . A multisensory training approach seems to obtain better results in the elderly with regard to both balance and quality of life .  Forty subjects ( age 65±10 years , height 165±4 cm , weight 73.0±4.6 kg ) were r and omized into two groups ( GrHu and GrCl ) . Participants in the GrHu group received 3 months of balance and postural training , 3 sessions per week , with the use of a multisensory training approach . Those in the GrCl group received 3 months of training with a classical rehabilitation protocol that included isotonic training for the lower limbs and spine . With regard to walking , there was an improvement in step symmetry for participants in the GrHu group compared to baseline ( 0.93±0.09 vs. 0.84±0.1 ; p<0.05 ) . Further , all subjects in the GrHu group showed a significant reduction in the energy used during a 4-min walk . Analysis of stabilometry data also showed a significant improvement in balance for those in the GrHu group , which was independent of age or gender . The multisensory training approach yields an improvement of balance in the elderly , which reduces the risk of falls . The observed improvement is significantly greater than that seen with the classical training program AIM To investigate the effect of specific cognitive training with CogniPlus and balance training , affecting cognitive functioning , gait speed , risk and fear of falling , and quality of life in an elderly cohort with mild cognitive impairment . METHODS The research sample was composed of 80 older adults with a mild cognitive deficit ( mean age 67.07 years ) divided into the experimental group ( n = 40 ) and control group ( n = 40 ) . This was a r and omized , controlled trial . The experimental group carried out selected exercises from the CogniPlus program combined with balance training . Patients participated in 20 sessions twice per week in an outpatient clinic . Both groups completed 30 min of balance training daily for 10 weeks . Cognitive functions were evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination . The fear of falling was assessed by Falls Efficacy Scale-I. The static and dynamic aspects of balance were assessed by the Tinetti test and functional stretching . Gait speed was assessed by four forms of the Timed Up & Go test . Quality of life was investigated according to Spitzer . RESULTS The two groups showed significant differences recorded after training in the Mini-Mental State Examination , Up and Go test with dual tasking , balance by Tinetti test and the quality of life in favor of the experimental group ( P < 0.03 - 0.0001 ) . There were no significant differences found between the groups in the assessment of fear of falling and other monitored parameters . CONCLUSIONS The combination of selected exercises from the CogniPlus program with balance training contributed to achieving better results than balance training alone for elderly people with mild cognitive impairment . Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016 ; 16 : 1043 - 1050 OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of the use of a rollator walking aid on assessment of gait and mobility . DESIGN Prospect i ve , longitudinal study . SUBJECTS Geriatric patients during inpatient rehabilitation ( n=109 ; mean age 83.1 years ) . METHODS Assessment at the beginning and prior to discharge from rehabilitation using : gait- analysis ( GAITRite ® , speed , cadence , stride-time , stride-length , base-of-support , double-support ) , Performance-Oriented-Mobility- Assessment ( POMA ) , and Timed-Up- and -Go ( TUG ) . Differences between outcomes obtained without and with rollator use were calculated for baseline assessment and for changes over time for the total group and subgroups according to diagnosis ( hip fracture vs. other ) . Responsiveness was calculated using st and ardized response means . RESULTS Baseline performances were significantly ( p ≤ 0.05 ) higher when assessed with vs. without rollator in the total group and in hip fracture ( except cadence ) and other ( except cadence , stride-time , TUG ) patients . Changes over time were significantly greater when assessed without vs. with rollator in the total group and hip fracture ( except cadence , POMA ) and other patients ( except base-of-support , double-support ) . Tests without rollator showed superior responsiveness ( except TUG ) . CONCLUSION The use of rollator walking aids limits the detection of initial gait and mobility deficits , adversely affects the assessment of changes over time in gait and mobility performance , and reduces the responsiveness of tests . When full weight-bearing is permitted , assessment without a walking aid is recommended Background Reliability of quantitative gait assessment while dual-tasking ( walking while doing a secondary task such as talking ) in people with cognitive impairment is unknown . Dual-tasking gait assessment is becoming highly important for mobility research with older adults since better reflects their performance in the basic activities of daily living . Our purpose was to establish the test-retest reliability of assessing quantitative gait variables using an electronic walkway in older adults with mild cognitive impairment ( MCI ) under single and dual-task conditions . Methods The gait performance of 11 elderly individuals with MCI was evaluated using an  electronic walkway ( GAITRite ® System ) in two sessions , one week apart . Six gait parameters ( gait velocity , step length , stride length , step time , stride time , and double support time ) were assessed under two conditions : single-task ( sG : usual walking ) and dual-task ( dG : counting backwards from 100 while walking ) . Test-retest reliability was determined using intra-class correlation coefficient ( ICC ) . Gait variability was measured using coefficient of variation ( CoV ) . Results Eleven participants ( average age = 76.6 years , SD = 7.3 ) were assessed . They were high functioning ( Clinical Dementia Rating Score = 0.5 ) with a mean Mini-Mental Status Exam ( MMSE ) score of 28 ( SD = 1.56 ) , and a mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment ( MoCA ) score of 22.8 ( SD = 1.23 ) . Under dual-task conditions , mean gait velocity ( GV ) decreased significantly ( sGV = 119.11 ± 20.20 cm/s ; dGV = 110.88 ± 19.76 cm/s ; p = 0.005 ) . Additionally , under dual-task conditions , higher gait variability was found on stride time , step time , and double support time . Test-retest reliability was high ( ICC>0.85 ) for the six parameters evaluated under both conditions . Conclusion In older people with MCI  , variability of time-related gait parameters increased with dual-tasking suggesting cognitive control of gait performance . Assessment of quantitative gait variables using an electronic walkway is highly reliable under single and dual-task conditions . The presence of cognitive impairment did not preclude performance of dual-tasking in our sample supporting that this methodology can be reliably used in cognitive impaired older individuals Purpose : Which functional tests on mobility and balance can better screen older people at risk of falls is unclear . This study aims to compare the  Berg Balance Scale ( BBS ) , Tinetti Mobility Score ( TMS ) , Elderly Mobility Scale ( EMS ) and Timed Up and Go test ( TUG )  in discriminating fallers from non-fallers in older people . Method : This was a case-control study involving one rater who conducted a mobility and balance assessment on subjects using the four functional tests in r and om sequence .  Subjects recruited included 17 and 22 older people with a history of single and multiple falls respectively from a public Falls Clinic , and 39 community-dwellers without fall history and whose age , sex and BMI matched those of the fallers . All subjects underwent the mobility and balance assessment within one day . Results : Single fallers performed better than multiple fallers in all four functional tests but were worse than non-fallers in the BBS , TMS and TUG . The BBS demonstrated the best discriminating ability , with high sensitivity and specificity . The BBS item ` pick up an object from the floor ' was the best at screening fallers . Conclusion : BBS was the most powerful functional test of the four in discriminating fallers from non-faller Objective measures of gait and balance which meet the criteria of reliability and validity are required as a basis for exercise regimens . We established reference values of clinical ly relevant locomotor and balance performances for geriatric patients . We are using these data for evaluating the effects of different therapeutic approaches to locomotor and balance disorders . Reference values for chair rising . We administered a battery of five tests concerning neuromuscular function , locomotion and balance to a sample of 212 participants without apparent locomotor deficits ( 139 women , 73 men , mean age 70,5 years , SD 6,78 , median 70 years , range 60 to 90 years , recruited by public announcements ) . The test battery comprised the ' chair rising test ' for measuring lower extremity neuromuscular function  ( five repetitions of rising from a chair as quickly as possible with arms crossed over the chest ) . The test has been proven reliable , valid , sensible and predictive for falls and future locomotor status and ADL-status .  Chair rising [ sec/5x ] , Range : 5.4 - 19.4 , Mean : 9.1 ( women:9.2 , men:9.0 ) , SD : 1.97 , Median : 8.9 . Training of balance and muscle power with Galileo 2000 - preliminary results . Galileo is a device for whole body vibration/oscillatory muscle stimulation . The subject st and s with bended knees and hips on a rocking platform with a sagittal axle , which thrusts alternatively the right and left leg 7 - 14 mm upwards with a frequency of 27 Hz , thereby lengthening the extensor muscles of the lower extremities . The reflexive reaction of the neuromuscular system is a chain of rapid muscle contractions . We conducted a r and omized controlled trial , n=34 ( age : mean 67y , range 61 - 85 , 11 female ) , cross-over design , intervention group 2 months training program three times a week ( each session 3x2 minutes ) , performance tests of all participants every two weeks ) . The first 19 subjects have finished the intervention period . They reached mean performance gains in chair rising of 18 % , strikingly different to the constant values of the controls ! We interpret the findings as improvements in muscle power by the oscillative muscle stimulation ABSTRACT Purpose : The purpose of this r and omized controlled trial was to measure the effectiveness of A Matter of Balance , a small‐group based balance program , on muscle strength , gait , balance , and fall risk among older community‐dwelling adults at risk for falls . A secondary aim was to measure the effects of the program on actual fall rates over the 3‐month study . Methods : Twenty‐three older adults were r and omly assigned to either an experimental group that participated in a 12‐week small‐group based balance program or a control group . Subjects were assessed at baseline and following an intervention using the following outcome measures : lower extremity manual muscle testing ( MMT ) and range of motion ; gait analysis on the GAITRite ® system ; balance parameters on the SMART EquiTest ® , the Timed Up and Go test , the Berg Balance Scale , and incidence of falls . Results : A repeated measures ANOVA revealed that there was a significant interaction between groups over time in the Berg Balance Scale scores , P ≤.05 . The experimental group improved over time ( 48.1 to 52.9/56 , respectively ) , whereas the control group decreased in performance ( 49.1 to 47.8/56 , respectively ) , P ≤ .05 . The mean number of falls was significantly less in the experimental group during the intervention compared with the control group ( 0.09 and 0.50 , respectively ) , P ≤ .05 . Conclusions : A community‐based multifactorial intervention including individualized fall risk assessment , exercise , and home assessment appears to safely and effectively reduce the number of falls , result ing in significant improvements in functional balance ability and decreased fall risk BACKGROUND The purpose of this prospect i ve cohort study was to determine if older individuals at risk for recurrent falls are best identified by mobility or functional assessment s. METHODS Eighty-four community-dwelling , frail male veterans , mean age of 75.5 years ( SD=7.33 ) , participated . The history of recurrent falls was determined by self or proxy report in a clinical interview . Mobility assessment s included the Modified Gait Abnormality Rating Scale ( GARS-M ) , stride length , and walking velocity ; functional performance was determined using the Physical Performance Test ( PPT ) .  The clinical usefulness of the measures was described by determining the sensitivity and specificity of each measure using the history of recurrent falls as a st and ard . RESULT Stepwise logistic regression analysis of the data indicated that the GARS-M ( p < .01 ) and the PPT ( p < .01 ) were the most important predictors of recurrent fall risk . The sensitivity and specificity of the measures used were : GARS-M , 62.3 % and 87.1 % ; PPT , 79.3 % and 71.0 % ; walking speed , 71.7 % and 74.2 % ; and stride length , 63.2 % and 77.4 % . Together the GARS-M and PPT demonstrated the highest sensitivity of 90.6 % and the highest specificity of 87 . 1 % based on a subject testing positive on at least one test . CONCLUSION Used independently and in combination , the GARS-M and the PPT were clinical ly useful measures in screening for older individuals at risk for recurrent falls This study aim ed to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative exercise program on muscle strength , balance , and gait kinematics in elderly community-dwellers . The exercise program included strength and balance training and the 8-form Tai Chi Chuan . The measurements were carried out at baseline and 12 weeks , and consisted of four physical performance tests , joint isokinetic strength tests , and three-dimensional gait analysis . Fifty-six community-dwelling older adults aged 60–80 years old were r and omly assigned to an intervention or control group . After 12 weeks , the intervention group showed a 17.6 % improvement in the timed up and go test , accompanied by a 54.7 % increase in the 30-second chair st and test score . Significant increases in the score of star excursion balance tests , and the strength of the extensor and flexor muscles at knee and ankle joints were also observed . In addition , the intervention group walked at a faster speed with a longer step length , shorter support phase , and a greater sagittal plane range of motion at the hip and ankle joints . No statistical improvements were seen in the control group . This study provided an effective , evidence -based falls prevention program that can be implemented in community setting s to improve physical fitness and reduce fall risks among community-dwelling older adults .  The star excursion balance test could be a sensitive measure of physical performance for fall risk assessment in older people Objective : To further assess the validity and inter-rater reliability of the  Elderly Mobility Scale ( EMS ) . Also whether the scale reflects elderly people 's perceptions regarding their mobility , and whether it can predict discharge destination , or likelihood of falling . Design : Question naire-based study completed on admission and weekly after this on all patients referred to physiotherapy for mobility problems over the course of one month . Setting : Care of the elderly wards in the Bristol General Hospital . Subjects : Sixty-six patients ( ages 66 - 69 years , 66 % female ) were included in the validity study . Nineteen patients ( ages 71 - 95 years , 47 % female ) were included in the inter-rater reliability study . Interventions : EMS , Barthel and patients ' perceptions of mobility were tested with routine physiotherapy treatment carried out as necessary . Main outcome measures : Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating EMS scores with Barthel scores using Spearman 's test . Inter-rater reliability was also tested using a Spearman 's correlation . EMS scores of patients were also evaluated in conjunction with whether or not they fell and their destination on discharge . Results : A significant correlation between EMS and Barthel scores indicated concurrent validity . Inter-rater reliability was demonstrated on 19 patients with a significant correlation between scores . No predictive validity could be ascribed to  EMS  in terms of discharge destination or likelihood of falling . Results do indicate a possible predictive validity of the functional reach component of the  EMS  regarding the risk of future falls . Conclusions : The EMS was found to be a valid scale with good inter-rater reliability that could be readily applied during daily clinical work . However , it was found to have no predictive validity in terms of falling or discharge destination BACKGROUND Falls and fall-related injuries are a major public health concern , a financial challenge for health care providers , and critical issues for older adults . Poor balance and limited mobility are major risk factors for falls . OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine effects of Feldenkrais exercises in improving balance , mobility , and balance confidence in older adults . METHODS Participants ( N = 47 , mean age 75.6 ) were r and omly assigned to a Feldenkrais group ( FG , n = 25 ) or to a control group ( CG , n = 22 ) . The FG group attended a 5-week Feldenkrais program , 60 minutes three times per week , while the CG group was a waitlist control . The outcome measures were balance ( t and em stance ) , mobility ( Timed Up and Go ) , gait characteristics ( GAITRite Walkway System ) , balance confidence ( Balance Confidence Scale ; ABC ) , and fear of falling ( Falls Efficacy Scale ) . Pre- and post-tests were conducted . RESULTS After completion of the program , balance ( p = 0.030 ) and mobility ( p = 0.042 ) increased while fear of falling ( p = 0.042 ) decreased significantly for the FG group . No other significant changes were observed . However , participants of the FG group showed improvements in balance confidence ( p = 0.054 ) and mobility while performing concurrently a cognitive task ( p = 0.067 ) . CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that Feldenkrais exercises are an effective way to improve balance and mobility , and thus offer an alternative method to help offset age-related declines in mobility and reduce the risk of falling among community-dwelling older adults . A long-term follow-up study of balance and mobility is warranted . Further research is needed to identify whether Feldenkrais exercises may impact cognitive processes
The analysis of our outcomes illustrates the similarities and differences between the identified tests
Assessment s of gait , balance , and transfer in elderly people play a valuable role in maintaining healthy aging and preventing a decline in mobility .
Several evaluation tools have been proposed ; however , clinicians should select the most accurate ones wisely , based on numerous criteria .
This systematic review aims to identify all applicable elderly mobility assessment tests and show their measurement properties with as much detail as possible .