Can two exercise programs reduce fear of falling and improve balance in older women?

Details

Falls and fall-related injuries in older adults are a major public health concern and often have serious consequences, suggesting a need to improve fall-prevention programs. The study compared six weeks of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement with a balance-enhancing exercise program (BEEP), looking at fear of falling, balance and functional mobility.

Fifty-four women aged 60 or older were randomly divided into three groups: a control group with no intervention (CON, n = 18), a Feldenkrais group (FEL, n = 18) and a BEEP group (n = 18). The exercise interventions took place three times a week for six weeks. Fear of falling was measured with FES-I, balance with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and functional mobility with the TUG test, before and after the exercise intervention.

FES and TUG results showed significant interactions (both p = 0.005). FES scores fell in both the FEL group, from 23.11 ± 3.06 before to 22.11 ± 2.63 after (p = 0.002), and the BEEP group, from 22.56 ± 5.78 to 21.61 ± 5.56 (p < 0.001). TUG scores showed no improvement in the FEL group (p = 0.052), while the BEEP and control groups showed decreased functional mobility (TUG) scores (p < 0.05).

For BBS scores, the time effect was significant (p < 0.001). Scores increased in both the FEL group, from 49.06 ± 2.83 before to 49.67 ± 2.84 after (p = 0.011), and the BEEP group, from 48.33 ± 3.72 to 48.94 ± 3.45 (p < 0.001). The authors concluded that both programs reduced fear of falling and improved balance, and that Feldenkrais exercises could prevent declines in functional mobility.