Influence of Ankle Exercise on Balance among Community Dwelling Older Adults Divya J.1, Kiruthika2,*, Kumaresan3 1Undergraduate Students, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Thandalam, Chennai 2Tutor, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Thandalam, Chennai 3Assisstant Professor, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Thandalam, Chennai *Corresponding Author E-mail: kirthiselvakumar@gmail.com
Online published on 31 October, 2018. Abstract Background Strength of ankle and foot muscle are highly correlated with postural sway, stability,walking speed, sit to stand and functional movements of stooping and kneeling thus indicating weakness of muscles around foot and ankle leads to balance impairment. Foot and ankle characteristics, particularly plantar flexor strength and hallux and ankle inversion and eversion range of motion are important determinants are balance and functional ability in older people. There are many studies involving ankle muscle strengthening for pain reduction and to correct gait alterations but this study intends to analyze the influence of strengthening around ankle and foot muscle on balance among community dwelling in older adults. Methodology In this study, 30 subjects were recruited. Participants were assigned by simple random sampling method (n=30) to ankle exercise group. Each participants Dynamic and Static balance were assessed using ‘Functional Reach Test’ and ‘Time Up and Go Test’. 3 weeks of ankle intervention exercises were given and the post test values were recorded. Conclusion From the result, it is concluded that Ankle exercise is more effective to improve Static and Dynamic balance among community dwelling older adult. Top Keywords Balance, Ankle Strengthening, FRT, TUG, BBS, Risk factor, Community dwelling, postural control, Foot impairment, Foot lesion. Top |