hakim Sabzevari University
Abstract: (309 Views)
Introduction and Purpose: Age-related decline in sensorimotor function significantly increases the risk of falls in older adults, impacting their independence and quality of life. Frenkel exercises, a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation approach emphasizing postural awareness and controlled movements, have shown potential to improve motor control. However, their effects on balance, gait, and physical function in older men residing in care facilities remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an eight-week Frenkel exercise program on static and dynamic balance, reaction time, gait parameters, and health-related quality of life in men aged 75 years and older attending daily elderly care centers in Sabzevar.
Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial with parallel groups included 40 older men (mean age: 78.52 ± 2.52 years) attending daily elderly care centers in Sabzevar, randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=20, Frenkel exercises) or a control group (n=20, usual care). The intervention consisted of 24 supervised sessions (three sessions per week, 45–60 minutes each) over eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Sharpened Romberg Test (static balance), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG, dynamic balance), modified Choice Reaction Time Test, 8-meter Walk Test (gait speed and stride length), and the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire. Between-group differences were analyzed using mixed analysis of variance with a significance level of 0.005. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.
Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in all outcomes: static balance (2.18 seconds, P<0.001, η²=0.41), dynamic balance (-2.4 seconds, P<0.001, η²=0.38), reaction time (-0.31 seconds, P<0.001, η²=0.35), gait speed (0.18 m/s, P<0.001, η²=0.33), step length (4.6 cm, P<0.001), and quality of life (7.19 points, P<0.001, η²=0.44). No adverse effects were reported during the intervention.
Conclusion: An 8-week Frankel exercise program significantly improves balance, reaction time, gait, and quality of life in elderly men. These findings support the integration of Frankel exercises into fall prevention and rehabilitation programs for older adults, particularly in institutional settings. Given their low cost, minimal equipment requirements, and absence of adverse effects, Frankel exercises offer a practical and promising strategy for enhancing functional independence in the elderly.
Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial with parallel groups included 40 older men (mean age: 78.52 ± 2.52 years) attending daily elderly care centers in Sabzevar, randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=20, Frenkel exercises) or a control group (n=20, usual care). The intervention consisted of 24 supervised sessions (three sessions per week, 45–60 minutes each) over eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Sharpened Romberg Test (static balance), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG, dynamic balance), modified Choice Reaction Time Test, 8-meter Walk Test (gait speed and stride length), and the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire. Between-group differences were analyzed using mixed analysis of variance with a significance level of 0.005. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.
Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in all outcomes: static balance (2.18 seconds, P<0.001, η²=0.41), dynamic balance (-2.4 seconds, P<0.001, η²=0.38), reaction time (-0.31 seconds, P<0.001, η²=0.35), gait speed (0.18 m/s, P<0.001, η²=0.33), step length (4.6 cm, P<0.001), and quality of life (7.19 points, P<0.001, η²=0.44). No adverse effects were reported during the intervention.
Conclusion: An 8-week Frankel exercise program significantly improves balance, reaction time, gait, and quality of life in elderly men. These findings support the integration of Frankel exercises into fall prevention and rehabilitation programs for older adults, particularly in institutional settings. Given their low cost, minimal equipment requirements, and absence of adverse effects, Frankel exercises offer a practical and promising strategy for enhancing functional independence in the elderly.
Type of Study: Research(Original) |
Subject:
Geriatric Medicine
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