Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under CC BY-NC 4.0 license
Authors
1 Semnan University/ Faculty Member
2 Semnan University/ Student
Abstract
Variation in the reception of information from depth receptors and environmental information can affect an individual's control performance. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of walking exercises with variable speeds at different surfaces as the task and environmental constraints on balance and fear of falling. The present study was semi-experimental and was conducted as a pre-posttest with the control group. A total of 21 elderly women over 60 years old in Semnan were selected through purposive sampling and after completing the Berg Balance Test and the Short Fall Efficacy Scale questionnaire, they were randomly assigned to three groups. The fixed-constraint practice group performed walking exercises at a constant speed on a flat and smooth surface, while the variable-constraint exercise group performed balance and strength exercises with variable speed on an uneven and slippery surface. The results showed that participants' progress due to the effect of the exercises and both balance and fear of falling variables was significant. The results confirmed the different effects of variable strength and balance walking and variable speed exercises on balance; however, no statistically significant difference was observed between the three groups in the variable of fear of falling. Based on the results, walking practice at variable speeds along with manipulation of environmental constraints, can be much more useful for improving balance. Accordingly, it is suggested that this type of exercise can be considered as part of daily activity interventions and even therapy and rehabilitation in centers working with the elderly.
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