Patti A, Bianco A, Karsten B, Montalto MA, Battaglia G, Bellafiore M, Cassata D, Scoppa F, Paoli A, Iovane A, Messina G, Palma A. The effects of physical training without equipment on pain perception and balance in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial.
Work 2017;
57:23-30. [PMID:
28506013 PMCID:
PMC5467714 DOI:
10.3233/wor-172539]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Research supports a link between exercise and falls prevention in the older population.
OBJECTIVES
Our aims were to evaluate pain perception and balance skills in a group of elderly subjects and to examine the consequences of a standardized equipment-free exercise program intervention on these variables. The study utilized a randomized controlled trial method.
METHODS
92 subjects were recruited from a rural Sicilian village (Resuttano, Sicily, Italy). Subjects were randomly split into two groups, an experimental group (EG; n = 49) and a control group (CG; n = 43). Qualified fitness instructors delivered the standardized physical exercise program for the EG whilst the CG did not receive this exercise intervention. The Berg Balance Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index were administered in both groups before (T0) and after the intervention (T1).
RESULTS
At T1, the EG group significantly improvement in balance (p < 0.0001) and pain perception (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were found within the CG both in BBS and ODI, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that a 13-weeks standardized exercise equipment-free program is effective in improving balance and perception of pain in the elderly. This type of intervention can consequently provide a low cost strategy to counteract the rate of disability in elderly.
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