Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Kinematic Variables of Postural Control and Fear of Falling in Elderly People with Fall History

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Motor Behavior, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran

3 Ms in Sports Injury, Tehran, Iran.

4 Ms in motor Behavior, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the impact of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on kinematic variables related to postural control and fear of falling in elderly individuals who have experienced falls.
Methods: This semi-experimental study utilized a pre-test-post-test design. The sample consisted of 15 healthy elderly individuals and 15 elderly individuals with a history of falls, with an average age of 67.5 ± 2.5 years, selected through convenience sampling based on specific criteria. Postural control was assessed using a computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test. Kinematic variables, such as overall center of pressure velocity in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, were measured across six different test conditions. Fear of falling was evaluated using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Participants engaged in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise twice a week for six weeks. Data were analyzed using mixed analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc tests.
Results: The findings indicated that six weeks of aerobic exercise resulted in enhancements in kinematic variables related to postural control in all six test conditions and a reduction in fear of falling among elderly fallers (P<0.05), with significant improvements compared to healthy elderly individuals.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to incorporate moderate-intensity aerobic exercise to enhance kinematic variables of postural control and reduce fear of falling in elderly individuals.

Keywords

Sports Psychology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 June 2024

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 September 2023
  • Revise Date: 10 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 19 June 2024

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