Effects of Simple Balance Training on Balance Performance and Fear of Falling in Rural Older Adults

SummaryBackgroundPoor balance is a major risk factor for falls and fear of falling, and exercise which specifically challenges balance is the most effective intervention for preventing falls. This cohort study described the effects of participation in a 3-month simple home-based balancing training program on measures of balance performances and fear of falling in Thai older adults.MethodsThe participants included 104 older adults who were living in a rural area of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. The exercise group participated in a 3-month simple home-based balancing training program by trained nurses. Balance was measured by a functional reach test and timed up-and-go test. Fear of falling was measured by Thai Falls Efficacy Scale-International (Thai FES-I).ResultsAfter 12 weeks of balance training, the participants in the exercise group showed a significant difference when compared to baselines for both the functional reach test and timed up-and-go test. The results also showed that the exercise group performed significantly better than the control group in the functional reach test and timed up-and-go test after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. In addition, fear of falling was reduced in the exercise group after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.ConclusionThe simple home-based balance training program led by trained nurses is feasible for rural older adults and was safe, effective, and acceptable to older adults and healthcare providers.