Proprioceptive Training to Improve Static and Dynamic Balance in Elderly

Abstract

Background: The risk of falls is a major cause of disability in older adults. A single fall, for the elderly, increases the risk of frequent falls and often causes an increased fear of falling again, which can become debilitating.
 Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to test the effects of 12 weeks of proprioceptive training on the static and dynamic balance of older adults who have experienced at least one fall without compromising consequences.
 Method: The sample consisted of older adults, aged 60 to 80 years, randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group, which followed a proprioceptive training protocol at a physiotherapy studio, and a control group, which did not observe any treatment. Static and dynamic balance assessment was performed pre-and post-intervention. The tests administered were the Berg Balance Test for the evaluation of static balance, and the Four-Square Step Test, for dynamic balance. A questionnaire to assess confidence and fear of falling was administered at the end of the protocol. Independent sample t-test was performed to analyze differences between groups and two-way ANOVA to test the null hypothesis of no change different over time between groups (interaction intervention × time). A Chi-Square was performed to analyze perceptions.
 Conclusions: The results showed that 12 weeks of proprioceptive training effectively improved dynamic and static balance in older adults. The perceptions of the experimental group were more positive than the other one, in terms of the importance of physical activity to prevent the risk of falls, fear of falling again, and experience of falls during the last 12 weeks.

Sensorimotor and proprioceptive exercise programs to improve balance in older adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis

“… 33 , 40 , 41 In two studies focused on proprioceptive training, exercises were performed exclusively with eyes open. 33 , 42 Additional studies, 35 , 43 incorporated exercises like rolling a ball with one foot while standing and standing on a foam cushion with the alternate foot. The variations in methodologies and exercises across these studies underscore the ambiguity surrounding the definition of proprioceptive training.…”

Can somatotype influence the static postural control? A new proposal of investigation

“…It is also defined as the ability to maintain an upright posture and to keep the centre of gravity (COG) within the limits of the base of support (Jonsson et al, 2004) (Mochizuki et al, 2006). McGuine et al (2000) have reported higher injury incidence in athletes with poor postural control and it was suggested that balance postural control may be influenced by several aspects such as muscles and proprioception (Raiola et al, 2020) (Esposito et al, 2021), relative position of body segments (Giustino et al, 2021) and even anthropometric parameters and somatotypes (Allard et al, 2001) (Farenc et al, 2003). In fact, somatotypes can be considered an overview of the physical characteristics of the human body (Carter & Heath, 1990).…”

Inclusive Physical Activity to Promote the Participation of People with Disabilities: A Preliminary Study

“…The benefits that regular physical activity can bring to individuals of all ages and genders are well known [1,2], such as reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality and the risk of contracting many chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus and cancer [3], also reducing the risk of falls in the elderly [4] and improving the level of independence of people with disabilities. The practice of sport makes it possible to productively satisfy human needs linked to the experience of play, movement, competitiveness, and group life.…”