Water-Based Training Program to Improve Stepping Responses in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Melzer Itshak, Elbar Ori, Tsedek Irit, Oddsson Lars IE
Primary Institution: Ben-Gurion University, Israel
Hypothesis
Subjects who undergo a water-based training program that includes perturbation exercises will show greater improvements in the ability to step rapidly compared to control subjects who undergo no training.
Conclusion
The study aims to determine if a water-based balance training program can improve speed of voluntary stepping responses and balance control in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Falls are a leading cause of accidental death in the elderly population.
- About one out of three elderly individuals fall.
- Improving stepping responses may reduce the risk of falls.
Takeaway
This study is testing a new water exercise program to help older people step faster and avoid falls.
Methodology
A randomized controlled cross-over trial with 36 community-dwelling adults aged 65-88, involving 24 training sessions over 12 weeks.
Limitations
The study does not address the effects on falling directly due to the nature of the randomized controlled cross-over trial.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling adults aged 65-88, with no recent history of instability or falling.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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