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The Effect of Functional Balance Exercises on Motor Performance and Fear of Falling in Elderly Residents of Care Centers
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Parisa Sedaghati *    , Fatemeh Zahra Talebi kenari |
| , sedaghati@guilan.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (4 Views) |
Background and Objective: Aging is often accompanied by declines in motor function and an increased risk of falls, which in turn can lead to fear of falling. These factors directly affect the independence and quality of life of older adults. Physical interventions are considered effective strategies to enhance motor performance. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of functional balance exercises on motor performance and fear of falling among elderly women residing in care centers.
Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The study population consisted of elderly women living in care centers in Gilan Province. Thirty participants were purposively selected based on inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in an eight-week functional balance exercise program, while the control group received no intervention. Outcome measures included the Timed Up and Go test, Ten-Meter Walk Test, Short Physical Performance Battery, and the 30-second and Five-Repetition Chair Stand Tests. Statistical analyses were conducted using Shapiro–Wilk and Levene’s tests for normality and homogeneity of variance, respectively, followed by multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) with a significance level of <0.01 and partial eta squared (η²) effect sizes, using SPSS version 25.
Results: Findings indicated that functional balance exercises led to a significant reduction in fear of falling (p = 0.002, η² = 0.327) and improvements in Timed Up and Go (p < 0.001, η² = 0.512), fast walking time (p < 0.001, η² = 0.402), 30-second Chair Stand Test (p = 0.007, η² = 0.284), Five-Repetition Chair Stand Test (p = 0.016, η² = 0.226), and Short Physical Performance Battery scores (p = 0.002, η² = 0.336) in the experimental group compared to controls. No significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.01).
Conclusion: The results suggest that functional balance exercises may serve as an effective approach to improve motor performance, including gait, functional balance, and lower-limb strength, thereby reducing fear of falling among elderly individuals. Accordingly, it is recommended that such exercises be incorporated into routine rehabilitation and care programs in elderly care centers to enhance mobility independence, improve quality of life, and reduce fall risk.
Keywords: Aged, Sensory Motor Integration, Postural Balance, Gait , Function |
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| Keywords: Older Adults, Sensorimotor, Balance, Gait, Fear of Falling, Function |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/08/7 | Revised: 2025/09/30 | Accepted: 2025/09/29
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