Effectiveness of Balance Exercise Circuit (BEC) on Improving Gait Parameters and Functional Performance in Older Adults. Chakraborty Gitasri1, Kumaresan A.2,*, Kiruthika S.3, Abraham Manoj4 1MPT (Neurology) 2nd Year, Saveetha college of Physiotherapy, Saveetha University, Chennai, India 2Assistant professor, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha University, Chennai, India 3Tutor, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha University, Chennai, India 4Principal, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha University, Chennai, India *Corresponding Author E-mail: kresh49@gmail.com
Online published on 12 June, 2018. Abstract Introduction As age progresses, the degree of body sway increases even in simple postural forms, such as an upright posture, causing elderly individuals to sway more than young adults. Changes associated with the aging process, especially those associated with balance, start around the age of 60 years and affect the sensory system (visual, vestibular, and somatosensory) and physical attributes like flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. These changes also affect reaction time, causing the elderly to develop many balance-related issue. Balance Exercise circuit (BEC) program, a new comprehensive design that includes exercise stations that specifically challenge sensory inputs from mechanoreceptors as well as form the visual and vestibular systems. Exercise stations were also designed to stimulate activities of daily living and potential to improve Gait and functional performance on older adults. This study intends to examine the effects of balance exercise circuit (BEC) improve gait parameters and functional performance in older adults Aim and objectives This study aims to examine the effects of balance exercise circuit (BEC) improve gait parameters and functional performance in older adults. Methodology Quasi Experimental study design was used in this study. Total 30 patients were selected. Pre-test and post test values were measured by using Time up and Go test (TUG) and Gait Parameters (cadence, stride length, step length) as outcome measure and were given Balance exercise circuit(BEC) for 40 minute 2 weeks and 5 days per week. Results The collected data was tabulated and analyzed using paired t test were used. Paired t-test was used to analyze significant changes between pre-test and post-test measurements in the group. There was a significant difference between the pre test and post test measurements p value was P<0.0001. Conclusion From this study it is concluded that the Balance exercise circuit (BEC) exercises in older adults improved gait parameters and functional performance. Top Keywords Time up and Go test, Gait parameters (cadence, stride length, step length), Balance exercise circuit (BEC), Older adults, Gait and Functional performance. Top |