Effect of a group-based exercise program on balance in elderly

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of 8-week group functional balance training classes on balance outcomes in community-dwelling veterans at risk for falls. DESIGN Pre-test, post-test using retrospective data. SETTING VISN 8 Patient Safety Center at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, FL, USA. PARTICIPANTS Fifty one community living veterans with mean age of 78 at risk for falls. INTERVENTION Participants received a weekly 1-hour functional balance training class for 8 weeks in a small group setting (4-5 participants). MEASUREMENTS Pre and post intervention measures included Berg Balance Scale, Limits of Stability (LOS) and modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). RESULTS Eighty four percent of the participants completed 5 or more weekly classes. Peripheral neuropathy was the most common risk factor among the participants. There was a significant improvement in the Berg (p < 0.0001) and Composite Reaction Time (p < 0.0004) after the intervention. CONCLUSION An eight week group functional balance training class was safe and effective in improving balance outcomes in a cohort of elderly veterans at risk for falls.