1- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. , ma_kavyani@sbu.ac.ir
Abstract: (392 Views)
Aim: Inadequate ambient lighting leads to decreased functional independence and increased risk of balance impairment and falls in the elderly. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of visual-sports exercises under manipulated lighting conditions on balance and fear of falling in the elderly.
Methods: Thirty-nine elderly individuals (aged 60-75 years) were voluntarily selected and available. In both pre- and post-tests, functional balance tests and leaf tests were conducted under two lighting conditions: low and normal light. Participants were grouped homogeneously into experimental (visual-sports exercises in normal light, visual-sports exercises in low light) and control (no exercises) based on pre-test balance scores in normal light conditions. The experimental groups performed 24 sessions of visual-sports exercises in conditions specific to each group.
Results: Composite factorial analysis of variance showed that in both lighting conditions, normal and low light, static and functional balance and fear of falling improved significantly in the experimental groups( p>0/05). Balance scores in tests under similar conditions were better with exercise.
Conclusions: Visual-sports exercises resulted in improved balance and reduced fear of falling in the elderly. Considering the hypothesis of exercise specificity and increased likelihood of balance impairment and falling in low-light environmental conditions, as well as the greater effectiveness of these exercises in low-light conditions, special attention is recommended for performing visual-sports exercises in low-light environmental conditions for the elderly.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Occupational therapy Received: 2024/04/24 | Accepted: 2024/09/08