EFFECTS OF ACITIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING TRAINING ON BALANCE IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

As people age they are at increased risk for deteriorating health, declining function and high health care. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a six-week programme consisting of activities of daily living exercises on balance in elderly people. A total of 16 participants from a local social club for elderly people were recruited, aged between 55 and 65 years. They were randomly allocated to the treatment group, who received training for six weeks, or to the control group. A pre-test, post-test design was used to evaluate balance, which was measured by a static one-leg stand test and a functional-reach test. There was a significant improvement (p<0.05) in both balance scores for the treatment group, with no significant changes in the control group over the training period. It is therefore recommended that elderly people should include structured activities of daily living as part of their daily routine in order to enhance their muscle strength and to improve balance and to help reduce the risk of falling