1- Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University
Abstract: (213 Views)
Abstract
Introduction and purpose: Falling is one of the most common geriatric syndromes that threatens the independence of the elderly. One of the most effective fall prevention strategies is exercises to strengthen muscles along with balance training. The main aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of electrical muscle stimulation on improving dynamic balance and fear of falling in the elderly. Methodology: The present study was of semi-experimental type and the research design included pre-test and post-test with two training and control groups. The statistical population of this research was elderly women in the age range of 65 to 70 years in Mashhad city. From this community, 20 elderly women were selected voluntarily and according to the objectives of the study from among the elderly women of Mashhad city. After selection, people were randomly divided into two groups of electrical muscle stimulation exercises and the control group. In order to collect data, the international fall efficiency questionnaire and dynamic balance tests (timed rise and walk test and Fullerton test) were used in two phases, pre-test and post-test. Electrical stimulation exercises were performed for 8 weeks and two 20-minute sessions per week. This training course was conducted in three training phases including: adaptation stages (2 weeks), initial training (2 weeks) and main training (4 weeks). The control group did not receive any intervention during this period. After completing the training period, both groups participated in the post-test as in the pre-test. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was used to investigate intra-group and inter-group changes at a significance level of less than 500 using Spss version 24 software. Results: The findings showed; Electrical muscle stimulation exercises have a significant effect on improving the dynamic balance (fullerene test) of the elderly (p < 0.05). Also, the findings showed that electrical muscle stimulation exercises have no significant effect on the elderly's fear of falling (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the present findings, trainers and counselors can use electrical muscle stimulation as a healthy and safe method in order to improve the balance and movement independence of elderly women.
Introduction and purpose: Falling is one of the most common geriatric syndromes that threatens the independence of the elderly. One of the most effective fall prevention strategies is exercises to strengthen muscles along with balance training. The main aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of electrical muscle stimulation on improving dynamic balance and fear of falling in the elderly. Methodology: The present study was of semi-experimental type and the research design included pre-test and post-test with two training and control groups. The statistical population of this research was elderly women in the age range of 65 to 70 years in Mashhad city. From this community, 20 elderly women were selected voluntarily and according to the objectives of the study from among the elderly women of Mashhad city. After selection, people were randomly divided into two groups of electrical muscle stimulation exercises and the control group. In order to collect data, the international fall efficiency questionnaire and dynamic balance tests (timed rise and walk test and Fullerton test) were used in two phases, pre-test and post-test. Electrical stimulation exercises were performed for 8 weeks and two 20-minute sessions per week. This training course was conducted in three training phases including: adaptation stages (2 weeks), initial training (2 weeks) and main training (4 weeks). The control group did not receive any intervention during this period. After completing the training period, both groups participated in the post-test as in the pre-test. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was used to investigate intra-group and inter-group changes at a significance level of less than 500 using Spss version 24 software. Results: The findings showed; Electrical muscle stimulation exercises have a significant effect on improving the dynamic balance (fullerene test) of the elderly (p < 0.05). Also, the findings showed that electrical muscle stimulation exercises have no significant effect on the elderly's fear of falling (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the present findings, trainers and counselors can use electrical muscle stimulation as a healthy and safe method in order to improve the balance and movement independence of elderly women.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Rehabilitation
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