BACKGROUND: to develop a physical training programme to improve balance in dependent, demented, people with a history of falling, and so decrease falls and increase autonomy. METHODS: the study was undertaken on 20 demented elderly people with a history of falling with an average age of 81.4+/-4.7 years and an average mini mental state score of 16.3+/-6.5. They had all passed 'get up and go', 'chair sit and reach', walking speed and static balance tests. They were assigned to a control group or a training group; the latter were trained with two sessions a week for 16 weeks. RESULTS:walking, mobility, flexibility and static balance were significantly improved in the training group (P<0.05), but not in the controls. The trained subjects did not suffer a relapse, while the controls did during the training period. CONCLUSION: the balance of frail, demented, elderly patients with a history of falling can be improved by training.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: to develop a physical training programme to improve balance in dependent, demented, people with a history of falling, and so decrease falls and increase autonomy. METHODS: the study was undertaken on 20 demented elderly people with a history of falling with an average age of 81.4+/-4.7 years and an average mini mental state score of 16.3+/-6.5. They had all passed 'get up and go', 'chair sit and reach', walking speed and static balance tests. They were assigned to a control group or a training group; the latter were trained with two sessions a week for 16 weeks. RESULTS: walking, mobility, flexibility and static balance were significantly improved in the training group (P<0.05), but not in the controls. The trained subjects did not suffer a relapse, while the controls did during the training period. CONCLUSION: the balance of frail, demented, elderly patients with a history of falling can be improved by training.
Authors: Carol A Giuliani; Ann L Gruber-Baldini; Nan S Park; Lori A Schrodt; Franzi Rokoske; Philip D Sloane; Sheryl Zimmerman Journal: Gerontologist Date: 2008-04
Authors: F Nourhashémi; M G Olde Rikkert; A Burns; B Winblad; G B Frisoni; J Fitten; B Vellas Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2010-02 Impact factor: 4.075
Authors: Betty Haralambous; Terry P Haines; Keith Hill; Kirsten Moore; Jennifer Nitz; Andrew Robinson Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2010-02-17 Impact factor: 3.921
Authors: Pao-Feng Tsai; Jason Y Chang; Cornelia Beck; Jody Hagen; K J S Anand; Yong-Fang Kuo; Paula K Roberson; Karl Rosengren; Linda Beuscher Journal: Act Dir Q Alzheimers Other Dement Patients Date: 2009