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Shakiba Fathi1 
, Bahman Sadeghi Sede1 , Alireza Safaein1 , Saeid Fatorehchy2 , Nazila Akbarfahimi2 , Sahar Sadeghi Sede *3
, Bahman Sadeghi Sede1 , Alireza Safaein1 , Saeid Fatorehchy2 , Nazila Akbarfahimi2 , Sahar Sadeghi Sede *3
1- Department of Social Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
2- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,sm.sadeghi163@gmail.com
2- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,
Abstract: (26 Views)
Objectives: Changes in various sensory-motor functions and alterations in the central nervous system contribute to reduced balance and increased fear of falling in older adults. Fall-proof exercises, by focusing on improving the function of sensory-motor and cognitive systems, lead to improved balance and a decreased risk of falling. Several studies with small sample sizes and varying results have been conducted in this area. However, a synthesis of the evidence has not been performed. Therefore, this study collected and analyzed data from various studies on the effect of fall-proof exercises on balance and fall prevention in the elderly.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, based on the research question with specific keywords and strategies, all relevant articles were searched in reputable databases and imported into EndNote20. Subsequently, the research protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO. Following the screening of articles and selection of eligible studies, the necessary data were recorded in a spreadsheet. Finally, the data were exported to STATA17 software and analyzed using a random effects model. All research stages were independently conducted by two individuals, adhering to the PRISMA checklist.
Results: In the fall-proof exercise group, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) demonstrated a significant improvement (SMD 5.37, 95% CI 3.17 to 7.56, p = 0.001). Static balance with eyes open (SMD 3.44, 95% CI 1.16 to 5.72, p = 0.001) and with eyes closed (SMD 4.94, 95% CI 0.80 to 9.07, p = 0.02) showed an increase. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test did not yield better results (SMD 0.25, 95% CI -2.94 to 3.44, p = 0.88), and the fear of falling decreased (SMD -9.10, 95% CI -13.71 to -4.49, p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Fall-proof exercises, for at least 8 weeks and three sessions of 40 to 50 minutes each, in older adults over 60 years of age, lead to higher balance for performing various daily activities, along with a reduction in the fear of falling. Therefore, fall-proof exercises are a suitable and effective strategy for increasing functional balance, dynamic and static balance, and preventing falls in the elderly and, after initial assessment and sufficient training, are recommended as a preventive and therapeutic program.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, based on the research question with specific keywords and strategies, all relevant articles were searched in reputable databases and imported into EndNote20. Subsequently, the research protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO. Following the screening of articles and selection of eligible studies, the necessary data were recorded in a spreadsheet. Finally, the data were exported to STATA17 software and analyzed using a random effects model. All research stages were independently conducted by two individuals, adhering to the PRISMA checklist.
Results: In the fall-proof exercise group, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) demonstrated a significant improvement (SMD 5.37, 95% CI 3.17 to 7.56, p = 0.001). Static balance with eyes open (SMD 3.44, 95% CI 1.16 to 5.72, p = 0.001) and with eyes closed (SMD 4.94, 95% CI 0.80 to 9.07, p = 0.02) showed an increase. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test did not yield better results (SMD 0.25, 95% CI -2.94 to 3.44, p = 0.88), and the fear of falling decreased (SMD -9.10, 95% CI -13.71 to -4.49, p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Fall-proof exercises, for at least 8 weeks and three sessions of 40 to 50 minutes each, in older adults over 60 years of age, lead to higher balance for performing various daily activities, along with a reduction in the fear of falling. Therefore, fall-proof exercises are a suitable and effective strategy for increasing functional balance, dynamic and static balance, and preventing falls in the elderly and, after initial assessment and sufficient training, are recommended as a preventive and therapeutic program.
Keywords: Dynamic balance, Fall-proof, Fear of falling Functional balance, Static balance, Meta-analysis
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