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.